Perdue Farms associates presented a record $376,211.82 to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore during a presentation Wednesday, Feb. 15. The contribution includes a record donation of $241,211.82 by associates and a $125,000 contribution from The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms.

The Perdue contribution brings the local United Way closer to reaching its $2 million campaign goal.

“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 is the No. 1 contributor to the 2016 United Way campaign. Perdue associates have contributed more than $3.5 million to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore since 1994. This year’s contribution to the campaign is the largest in United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore history.

All the monies contributed by Perdue will remain on the Lower Shore to support crucial programs and services provided by 34 local agencies through 74 programs.

Perdue campaign co-chair Jennifer Cannon explains that associates representing Perdue facilities in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties helped spread the word about this year’s campaign, inspiring them 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,” she 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.”

“Our associates have a long history of generously giving to United Way,” said Chairman Jim Perdue. “Their generosity and compassion for helping others never ceases to amaze me. They truly exemplify what it means to ‘Live United.’"

Source: Perdue Farms