CAMBRIDGE — United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently held the 13th Annual Holiday Ball at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge, raising over $150,000. 375 guests from across the Shore and beyond rang in the 2015 Holiday Season at the “Event of the Year” in support of United Way’s 62 critical Education, Financial Stability and Health programs serving the Lower Shore.

Attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner and high-energy dance music provided by top Washington D.C. band, “Radio City.” Guests also enthusiastically participated in the “Wall of Wine” raffle and bid in United Way’s largest “Perfect Present” silent auction to date, with nearly 80 fabulous items. The talented Sandy Gillis served as the auctioneer for the live auction, which alone raised over $16,000 and featured exquisite jewelry and exotic vacation packages that had been donated by local businesses and individuals.

United Way’s dedicated Holiday Ball Committee began the planning process in June of this year, spending hundreds of hours to ensure success through securing sponsorships from local businesses, acquiring popular live and silent auction items, assembling stockings for guests when they arrive at the Hyatt Regency for their overnight stay, as well as offering logistical support for transportation, set-up and break-down of the event décor and displays. This year’s Holiday Ball Committee was led by co-chairs, Scott and Lisa Phillips. Scott Phillips shared “Thanks to the support of the generous sponsors, Holiday Ball Committee and the community, this year’s event was sold-out for the second year in a row, breaking records for income and attendance. More importantly, this event will continue to help our neighbors in need far past the Holiday Season.”

Now in its 71st year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 62 critical programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties.

In the 2014-2015 campaign year, United Way provided nearly $1.3 million to community programs and helped to change the lives of over 77,000 individuals. For more information, visit www.unitedway4us.org.

The 2015 United Way Holiday Ball Committee poses for a picture before the most successful Holiday Ball to date at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge. 375 people attended the “Event of the Year” and a record-breaking $150,000 was raised to benefit United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.

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Pictured from left, Holiday Ball Committee members, Jeff and April Eichelberger, Sally and John Rankin, and Committee Co-Chairs, Lisa and Scott Phillips enjoy the Committee Cocktail hour before the Holiday Ball begins.