The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore is a lot closer to its $2 million campaign goal thanks to a $376,211.82 donation from Perdue Farms associates.
The associates on Wednesday contributed a record donation of $241,211.82 as well as another $125,000 donation from the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. Perdue’s contribution so far this year has been the largest in the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore’s history.
“We are blessed to have a partner like Perdue Farms and their caring associates who give so freely to United Way every year,” said Kathleen Mommé, executive director of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. “Perdue and its associates have again raised the bar with their record support. Our community and the thousands of lives we are able to touch through our partners are fortunate to have their generous support.”
Perdue leads the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore’s “Top 50,” which recognizes the top corporate and employee contributions. Since 1994, Perdue associates have contributed over $3.5 million to support 34 local agencies through 74 programs in the community.
Perdue Campaign Co-Chair Jennifer Cannon said associates representing Perdue in various counties around Maryland helped spread the word about this year’s campaign to give.
“Year after year, a network of Perdue campaign coordinators, along with United Way staff, visit many of our facilities to share stories regarding ways in which the United Way touches the lives of so many people in the community and reinforce how contributions are put to work locally,” Cannon said. “Perdue associates really stepped up this year to a new level of giving and support for United Way. I couldn’t be more proud of their generosity.”
Perdue Farms Chairman Jim Perdue echoed those comments talking about how the Perdue associates have contributed to the United Way.
“Our associates have a long history of generously giving to United Way,” Perdue said. “Their generosity and compassion for helping others never ceases to amaze me. They truly exemplify what it means to ‘Live United.’”
The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore is entering its 73rd year and provides critical programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties. In 2016 the United Way provided nearly $1.4 million to community programs helping over 77,000 people.
