Special to The Dorchester Banner
Dean Goodwin of RPS ISG International in Cambridge was named the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore’s 2014 Dorchester County Volunteer of the Year for his work in raising money for the Imagination Library.[/caption] PRINCESS ANNE — Dean Goodwin was named the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore’s 2014 Dorchester County Volunteer of the Year in a ceremony March 20. The award recognized Mr. Goodwin’s work in organizing fundraisers to benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which supplies children up to the age of 5 with a book each month. Mr. Goodwin arranges the events through his job at RPS ISG International, a Cambridge-based insurance company. “Last year, we raised just over $20,000,” Mr. Goodwin said. The money came from entry fees to two events. In May, there was a “Preakness Palooza Party,” at which fans gather to enjoy Maryland’s biggest horse race. Then in October, there is a “Disc Golf” contest, which brings out business associates from around the area to take part in the fun, now in its fourth year. “It’s blossomed,” Mr. Goodwin said. “We have 60-plus businesses that come out and have a great time with us.” According to their website, “The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore is a local, independent, non-profit organization established in 1944. The local United Way connects local resources with local needs to meet critical health and human community needs. United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore serves Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Dorchester counties.” Imagination Library promotes literacy by sending young children one book every month. The group’s website said, “Parents and teachers alike will quickly see the value added to each child’s life by instilling a love of reading, which in turn creates a more productive environment for early childhood literacy within your community. It is a proven fact that children who are read to from birth are much more likely to excel in class when they begin school.” Mr. Goodwin and other volunteers are happy to support the project. “It’s a chance for us to get together to do something fun,” he said. To learn more about the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, visit www.unitedway4us.org. To learn more about Imagination Library, visit usa.imagination library.com.