Annual Meeting celebrates grant making and honors award recipients

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore honored four award recipients and celebrated annual grant-making efforts at its Annual Meeting and Report to the Community on November 7th. The Foundation announced a total of $8.6 million in grants made in fiscal year 2025, including more than $858,000 in scholarships to local students.

“Today we celebrate more than $8.6 million in grants and charitable distributions made this year, and over $123 million invested in our community since our founding in 1984,” said CFES President Erica Joseph. “As the philanthropic leader of the Lower Eastern Shore, we know our work is made possible because of generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and partners who believe in building a stronger, more connected community.”

The Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Larry McCauley.

The Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Mr. Larry McCauley, honoring his longstanding commitment to volunteerism and service throughout the community. Known for his “servant’s heart,” McCauley has devoted countless hours to organizations such as Hands and Hearts Ending Homelessness, HOPE, TidalHealth, and Wicomico Presbyterian Church—often quietly stepping in wherever help is needed, from managing shelter operations to supporting local youth and assisting elderly neighbors. In recognition of his dedication, McCauley will receive a $1,000 gift to designate to the nonprofit of his choice.

The Nonprofit Award of Excellence honoring Richard A. Henson was awarded to Beach to Bay Heritage Area Executive Director Lisa Challenger (left) and Program Specialist Andre Nieto Jaime (right).

The Nonprofit Award of Excellence honoring Richard A. Henson was awarded to Bay to Beach Heritage Area, recognizing its leadership, innovation, and lasting contribution to our region. By promoting, preserving, and protecting the cultural heritage, historical, and natural assets of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the organization continues to strengthen community identity, all while operating with just two staff members and a dedicated network of volunteers. In honor of its dedication to the Lower Shore, Beach to Bay Heritage Area, Inc. will receive $5,000 to support its mission.

The Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award was awarded to Allen Brown Sr.(center) presented by Susan Purnell (right) with CFES Chair Velda Henry.

The Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award was awarded to Allen Brown, honoring his lifelong commitment to service and the compassion, integrity, and leadership he has shared across the community. A retired educator, he has dedicated decades to organizations including the Board of Education, Salvation Army, United Way, Coastal Hospice, Chesapeake Housing Mission, Salisbury Urban Ministries, and his beloved Salisbury Rotary Club, always offering his time, energy, and heartfelt encouragement. Known to many local students as the “Dictionary Man” for his longtime work distributing dictionaries to third graders, his kindness and enthusiasm have inspired generations. In recognition of his dedication, he will receive $2,500 to designate to the charity of his choice.

The Chairman’s Award was presented to Dan O’Connell (right) by CFES Chair Velda Henry (left) for his dedicated service to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

The Chairman’s Award was presented to Dan O’Connell recognizing his steadfast leadership, encouragement, and unwavering support to the Community Foundation. A dedicated ambassador for the Foundation, Dan consistently steps up in both visible and behind-the-scenes ways—serving as Investment Committee Chair, assisting staff whenever needed, and ensuring daily operations run smoothly, right down to signing checks each week. His thoughtful guidance and steady partnership have been invaluable throughout this year’s board leadership.