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 $251,211.82 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.'”

About The United Way Of The Lower Eastern Shore
Now in its 73rd year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 74 critical programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester counties. United Way helps Eastern Shore residents obtain Educational Success by reducing the achievement gap between low- and middle-income students, Financial Stability by advancing the economic security of families and individuals in our community, and Good Health by improving access to and awareness of local health and wellness services. In 2016, United Way provided nearly $1.4 million to community programs and helped to change the lives of over 77,000 individuals. For more information, visit www.unitedway4us.org.

About Perdue Farms
Perdue Farms is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone we touch through innovative food and agricultural products. Since our beginning on Arthur Perdue's farm in 1920, to our expansion into agribusiness and the introduction of the PERDUE® brand of chicken and turkey under Frank Perdue, and continuing with our third generation of leadership with Chairman Jim Perdue, we've remained family owned and family operated. We are the parent company of Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness. Through our PERDUE®, PERDUE® SIMPLY SMART®, PERDUE® HARVESTLAND®, COLEMAN PREMIUM® and COLEMAN ORGANIC® food brands; agricultural products and services; and stewardship and corporate responsibility programs, we are working to become the most-trusted name in food and agricultural products. Learn more about Perdue Farms at www.perduefarms.com.

About The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation
The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Perdue Farms, was established in 1957 by company founder Arthur W. Perdue and is funded through the estates of Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue. As part of our belief in supporting the communities where and with whom we do business, the Foundation provides grants on behalf of Perdue Farms in communities where large numbers of our associates live and work. At Perdue Farms, we believe in responsible food and agriculture®.