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UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL MARYLAND HONORS TOP PHILANTRHOPIC LEADERS

Baltimore, MD (September 23, 2009) – Yesterday, United Way of Central Maryland was proud to announce the recipients of its annual Tocqueville Society awards. The evening, dedicated to recognizing donors and foundations who give $10,000 or more, also recognizes leading volunteers and corporate partners. The event was held at the home of Tocqueville Society Chair Aris Melissaratos of Johns Hopkins University. During the evening, the United Way honored the following:

• Sheela Murthy, Murthy Law Firm - Philanthropist of the Year In 2008, Murthy committed $1 million to support community impact in Maryland and to establish a Global Empowerment and Change Fund. The Baltimore lawyer became the first woman to join the United Way’s Million Dollar Roundtable (and fifth member overall) – an elite group of the organization’s Tocqueville Society. This year, she was also awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young – proving philanthropy and business do go hand in hand.

• Julie Mercer, American Red Cross – Volunteer of a Lifetime Mercer’s commitment to United Way of Central Maryland and entire region spans more than 30 years. Over the years, she has served on United Way’s Board of Directors for multiple terms completed the volunteer leadership role of Co-Chair of their 2008 Campaign Committee and was a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council. She also provides her time with the following other agencies: Alliance, American Heart Association, Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore Reads, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Catholic Charities, Girl Scouts, Magic Me, Maryland SPCA, McDaniel College, Planned Parenthood, St. Agnes Cancer Center, St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation and the Y of Central Maryland.

• McCormick & Co. – Organization of the Year The global spice giant has remained one of the regions strongest advocates, with employees giving their time and their dollars to support nonprofits. They continue to lead the way by contributing over $1.4M and with 89 percent of McCormick’s employees participating in the campaign. The company also has 12 Tocqueville Society members. The company is one of the strongest corporate citizens, encouraging philanthropy and matching employee donations dollar for dollar. “The founder of McCormick and Company was one of six local businessmen who founded in 1925 what would eventually become the United Way of Central Maryland. Since then it has been part of our corporate culture to be a strong supporter of the United Way as it improves the lives of so many in our community. In the current environment the need for the United Way is greater than ever. McCormick is proud to continue its legacy as a committed corporate citizen and a loyal advocate for the United Way,” said Alan Wilson, president and CEO of McCormick & Co.

Leadership giving, donors contributing $1,000 or more, now represents 41 percent of the overall annual United Way campaign.