The United Way for the Lower Eastern Shore set a new record for its 2015 campaign, bringing in pledges totaling more than $1.8 million.

At the United Way’s 71st Annual Meeting, held Friday at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, volunteers were feted and contributors were celebrated.

“Our annual ‘Community Celebration’  was the best ever,” said Kathleen Mommé, Executive Director of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, “thanks to thousands of local contributors, honoring the incredible volunteers and campaign coordinators who work so hard and most importantly celebrating the true community impact our United Way is having in the areas of Health, Financial Stability and Education ... the true building blocks for a stronger community!”

The meeting boasted more than 285 people in attendance, another record for the United Way.

Incoming United Way Board President Rick Nelson saluted the community for the massive support in the past year.

"Once again, our community has strongly supported our United Way as the organization to bring hope and support to our most vulnerable neighbors on the Shore," he said.

Kathleen McLain, General Manager of WMDT-TV, was the top award winner, claiming the Jim Barrett Community Leadership Award.

United Way also handed out its annual awards to the top volunteers and supporters of the organization. They were:

• Sheila Pullen and Leah Evans of Hudson Health Services, Wicomico Campaign Coordinator of the Year.
• Kelly Brinkley and Stacey Norton of Worcester County, Worcester Campaign Coordinator of the Year.
• Leo Lawson of Somerset County Public Schools, Somerset Campaign Coordinator of the Year;
• Dwayne Abt and Beth Wilson of Dorchester County Public Schools, Dorchester County Campaign Coordinators of the Year.
• Connie Strott, Wicomico Volunteer of the Year.
• Scott and Lisa Phillips, Worcester Volunteers of the Year.
• Jeff Eichelberger, Somerset Volunteer of the Year.
• Interstate Container “Cornament” Committee, Dorchester Volunteer of the Year.
• Beth Reid of Healogics at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Emerging Leader of the Year.
• Emily Hawthorne, Salisbury University United Way Volunteer of the Year.
• LuAnne Mottley, Pocomoke High School Student United Way Star.
• Somerset County Public Schools, Flame of Excellence Award.
• Melody Nelson of Nelson's Nationwide Insurance, Princess Anne, Heart of United Way Award.
• Rick Nelson of Nelson's Nationwide Insurance, Princess Anne, President's Trophy.
• Piedmont Airlines of Salisbury, Spirit of the Shore Award.