Special to The Dorchester Banner/United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore Attendees gathered outside Salisbury University’s Bistro in the Commons to show United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore support at the 10th Annual CEO & Coordinator Breakfast hosted by Jim Perdue of Perdue Farms. Over 225 local business and community leaders came together to officially kick off the 2014-2015 United Way campaign season and celebrate United Way’s 70th Anniversary.[/caption]

SALISBURY — United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently held the 10th annual CEO & Coordinator Breakfast to officially kick-off the 2014-2015 United Way campaign season and celebrate United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore’s 70th anniversary of positive impact in the local community.

The breakfast brought over 225 local business and community leaders together at The Bistro in the Commons at Salisbury University to hear uplifitng speeches and updates on how United Way is making a real difference in the community and changing lives throughout the Lower Eastern Shore.

Host, Jim Perdue of Perdue Farms, and presenters Dr. Janet Dudley-Eshbach of Salisbury University, United Way Board President, Pete Bugas of Interstate Container, Scott Delaney of Jubilant Cadista Pharmaceuticals, and 100 Docs Campaign Chair, Dr. Mark Edney of Peninsula Urology, emphasized the importance of supporting United Way and encouraged other local businesses to increase their involvement and be Community Stars. A moving speech from United Way’s Executive Director, Kathleen Mommé, concluded the program.

Ms. Mommé shared, “We are grateful for the opportunity to share with leaders in the community how their support to United Way truly improves lives on our Lower Eastern Shore with increasing access to quality health care, providing financial stability to families in crisis, and helping children, the future of our community, succeed. This record turnout at our kick-off and 70th anniversary celebration is an inspiration for another great campaign season filled with Community Stars!”

Following the breakfast, guests were offered tours of two United Way partner agencies, Worcester County Developmental Center and Worcester Youth and Family Services, to get a first-hand look at the lives impacted by United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. The day then concluded with a lunch and training session for campaign coordinators.

Now in its 70th year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 57 critical programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties. To learn more about United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore visit www.unitedway4us.org or call 410-742-5143.

Special to The Dorchester Banner/United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore Leo Lawson and Dr. John Gaddis of Somerset County Board of Education join United Way Executive Director, Kathleen Mommé, and United Way Board President, Pete Bugas, at the 10th Annual United Way CEO & Coordinator Breakfast to kick-off the 2014-2015 Campaign.[/caption]