United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore celebrated the generosity of community members at the 74^th Annual Meeting and Community Leaders Celebration thanks to University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

More than 230 community members from organizations and companies representing Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties attended, to recognize United Way’s local impact and outstanding community leaders for their service.

At the meeting, it was announced that United Way topped $2 million in contributions for the third year in a row.

There was also an awards ceremony honoring volunteers for outstanding service, installation of incoming United Way Board of Directors, and the announcement that United Way’s 75^th Anniversary year celebration will be co-chaired by Marty Neat of First Shore Federal and Chris Perdue of Perdue Farms.

The poultry company was also recognized as the Diamond Anniversary Sponsor.

Reflecting on this past year, outgoing United Way Board Chair Dana Seiler said: “As we wind down another United Way year, what stands out to me most is the strong desire of our community partners, volunteers, donors, and staff to give of themselves generously, to notice, to care, to serve, to love, and to offer their strength to those in need. This enthusiasm to live for others, is what brings purpose, fulfillment, and joy to our lives and those of our neighbors.”

United Way Award Recipients

County Campaign Coordinators of the Year

• Wicomico: Sarah Arnett & Teresa Niblett, Peninsula Regional Medical Center.
• Worcester: Eric Lagstrom, Town of Ocean City.
• Somerset: Kristen Tremblay, Somerset County.
• Dorchester: Lisa Fatica, DS Smith.

County Volunteers of the Year

• Wicomico: Dennis Killian, Peninsula Regional Medical Center.
• Worcester: Susan Jones, Ocean City Hotel, Motel, Restaurant Association.
• Somerset: Lois Hartstein, Civic Leader.
• Dorchester: Beth Wilson, Dorchester County Public Schools.

Women United Volunteer of the Year: Danielle Bradley, Piedmont Airlines.

Emerging Leader of the Year: Patrick Dougherty, Peninsula Regional Medical Center & Kristia Mardones, Azar Eye Institute.

Salisbury University Student United Way Volunteer of the Year: Megan Lynch.

Wor-Wic Community College Student United Way Volunteer of the Year: Cory Davis.

Flame of Excellence Award: Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

Heart of United Way: John & Deborah Breda, Co-Chairs of the Holiday Ball Committee.

President’s Trophy: Steve Farrow, Retired from Piedmont Airlines.

Spirit of the Shore Award: PNC Bank.

Jim Barrett Community Leadership Award: Tom Hershey, Civic Leader.