United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), in partnership with the Ocean City Maryland Hospitality Association, looks forward to welcoming back guests and visitors for the 2026 summer season! UWLES is excited to partner with local hospitality businesses for the 10th season of our Dine, Stay, and Play United program. Last summer, local hospitality and recreational organizations raised over $23,000, demonstrating what it means to Dine, Stay and Play in Worcester County while giving back to the community and creating local impact.
Local restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, and sporting venues can sign up with UWLES to participate. Each business chooses its promotional menu items or stays-and-play specials and designates a portion of those proceeds to UWLES. All proceeds stay local for UWLES and their nonprofit partners, who help 1 in 3 Worcester and other Lower Shore County neighbors thrive. This is a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to help support the hospitality and tourism industry while giving back through philanthropic-minded Worcester County businesses from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Restaurants, lodging, and entertainment businesses of any size are welcome to participate.
Bobbi Jones, General Manager at Ocean Downs Casino, shared the importance of the ongoing partnership:
“Our participation in the United Way Dine & Stay Program reflects our commitment to giving back locally. Thanks to the support of our guests and team, we raised $3,300 in 2025 to help United Way and we look forward to exceeding that in 2026, continuing our support of families and strengthening our community.”
Participants benefit from free digital and print marketing through radio promotion, digital ads, television commercials, and social media campaigns throughout the summer. The summer 2026 campaign is made possible through partnerships with the OCMD Hospitality Association, WMOT-47, Greater OC Chamber of Commerce, Worcester County Chamber of Commerce, and the Taustin Group.
For more information on how to get involved or become a participating business in the 2026 Dine Stay & Play United Program, contact Ryan Jackson, UWLES, at ryan@uwles.org or Amanda Hailey, UWLES, at amanda@uwles.org, call 410-742-5143, or visit uwles.org/dinestayplay.
Special thanks to the 2025 Dine Stay Play Participants, who will be recognized at the OCMD Hospitality Association dinner on April 16th at Oyster and Scales! Dine United Participants: 32 Palm, Atrium Café & Bar, Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar, Coral Reef Restaurant & Bar, Decatur Diner, Deep End Pool Bar, Happy Jack Pancake House, Harrison’s Harbor Watch, The Hobbit, Manana Mode, Marlin Moon, Papi’s Tacos, Playa Bowls Ocean Pines, The Playbook at Ocean Downs, Sandshark Pool Bar, The Original Pool Bar, Waves at Ocean Downs, and The Wedge. Stay United Participants: Beach Bum West-O, Commander Hotel & Suites. Play United Participants: Jolly Roger’s.
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), celebrating 81 years of local service, harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education, and financial stability for all neighbors in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.
UWLES and their community partners help empower Lower Shore residents by addressing barriers for better health, supporting educational success for learners of all ages, and strengthening economic security for local households. UWLES provides direct services, collaborates with stakeholders, and supports dozens of local nonprofits to strengthen the entire community, impacting 1 in every 3 neighbors annually.
Through the Get Connected Volunteer Center, UWLES connects over 200 nonprofits with community members who want to get involved.
For more information on United Way or to help make a difference, visit:
www.uwles.org
www.ShoreGetConnected.org
Facebook @uwles
Instagram @unitedwayles
LinkedIn @uwles
UWLES Community Outreach Coordinator Ryan Jackson presents the Summer 2024 Dine Stay Play United Spirit Award to Jolly Roger Amusements.
