Volunteer Spotlight
Connie Strott

At United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, we're fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers on our team who provide leadership and strength in an effort to further our mission. Each volunteer contributes their own unique talents and their valuable time.

This month, we highlight the efforts of one of our very special volunteers, Connie Strott of the Law Offices of George G. Strott, Jr. Connie grew up volunteering in church, school, and a variety of clubs and continued giving back as an adult. Her first experience with United Way came during her term as President of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, an organization which depended heavily on United Way funding. As she became more familiar with the mission of our local United Way, Connie was compelled to become a United Way volunteer because she believed it was here that she could make the biggest difference.

Nine years later, Connie is still making a difference for United Way. In addition to serving as Board President from 2005 to 2007, she has actively participated in a number of committees, including the Wicomico Campaign, Holiday Ball, Nominating, and Audit & Compliance Committees. Among her most satisfying roles was serving on the Community Investment Committee. It's here that members see firsthand the impact of United Way funding. After visiting agencies and studying their financial statements, the Committee determines which local programs are most deserving of those funds. Connie explains that "United Way provides a tremendous amount of stewardship by directing funds to the programs that have the greatest need and provide the most important services for our community."

Connie's involvement on United Way's board has been rewarding. She says, "The members of the board have so much expertise and experience. You contribute and learn at the same time. This is the strongest board I have ever worked with; we're a fun group, but we're also working hard." She fondly remembers an example of that mentality. At one Board Appreciation Party in West Ocean City, Executive Director Kathleen Momme and Board President Morgan Hazel jumped into the pool fully clothed in order to increase donor pledges from the board an additional $5,000! "That speaks to the level of dedication, commitment and camaraderie the United Way board demonstrates."

Certainly, the difficult economic climate we are facing today presents unique challenges in fundraising, but it's during times like these that "United Way's mission becomes even more significant. We're thankful to live in a community where so many people are dedicated to giving what they can. Our community has become more aware of the needs in this area, and is willing to make sacrifices in order to help others. That's powerful."

Connie's greatest wish for United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore is the cultivation of additional funding to allow for meeting the many needs in our community. Additionally, she'd love to see new volunteers join United Way. "There is always room for more volunteers, especially committee members. This role requires a higher level of commitment, but it's a great way to get a taste of what it is that United Way does. Volunteers who begin as committee members often choose to join the board because they've been witness to the impact that we're making to the community and want to expand their involvement."

United Way is grateful to have Connie as a member of our team and our community. "Volunteering makes me feel proud of my contribution and efforts, and I know that volunteering for United Way is the very best use of my time and resources."