United Way of Central Maryland celebrated the region’s top philanthropists, Tocqueville Society members (a group that has raised $6 million annually for the community), and awardees at their annual event this month. Among those honored were The Baltimore Ravens (Organization of the Year), Ben and Wendy Griswold (Philanthropists of the Year), Terry Neimeyer (Mark Furst Volunteer of a Lifetime) and Alicia Wilson (Freeman and Jacqueline Hrabowski Distinguished Service Award).
“This group of leaders is uniquely committed to the long-term health and vitality of our neighbors and the neighborhoods they call home,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland. “As we look toward our 100th year of service to the greater Baltimore region, we have to recognize the support of people like these honorees that have made our work possible. Since our founding nearly 100 years ago, we have transformed into an organization that provides direct service programs and strategic partnerships that allow us to create short and long-term change in our communities. The support of these Tocqueville Society members has helped to shape the path forward for United Way of Central Maryland.”
Each honoree has a well-known commitment to serving the community and continuing to inspire and encourage others to improve people’s lives.
The Baltimore Ravens Organization was chosen as Organization of the Year for their commitment to volunteering and investing in the local community. The Ravens are committed to addressing the many issues facing communities in their hometown. By engaging with and supporting the region through their own charitable programs and initiatives, the Ravens consistently go the distance for their fans and neighbors in Baltimore. Since 2019, they have partnered with United Way of Central Maryland for the annual Caw to Action community service events. Now in its sixth year, Caw to Action activates more than 30,000 volunteers across 130 sites of service – a true testament to the Baltimore Ravens’ dedication to the community that cheers them on.
Philanthropists of the Year Ben and Wendy Griswold have been supporters of United Way of Central Maryland for decades. And United Way is just one of the many community organizations they support. The couple’s passion for service has led to the creation of innovative programs and services to help underserved community members. The Griswolds’ son, Charlie Constable, Head of U.S. Private Client, Endowment, and Foundations at Brown Advisory, accepted the award on the couple’s behalf.
Terry Neimeyer received the Mark Furst Volunteer of a Lifetime Award. Terry began his impactful journey with United Way of Central Maryland in 1982, by contributing $1 per paycheck. Since 1995, he has led and guided new leaders in his organization’s UWCM Corporate Giving Campaign, inspiring numerous KCI Technologies employees to become Tocqueville Society and Jane B. Meyerhoff members. In 2011, he received the UWCM Community ambassador Award from United Way, and in 2022, KCI Technologies was recognized as UWCM’s Organization of the Year. He has served on the UWCM Board and has co-chaired the annual corporate campaign, raising nearly $23 million.
The Freeman and Jacqueline Hrabowski Distinguished Service Award honors those whose exceptional volunteerism, advocacy, and outreach make a difference in central Maryland. Honoree Alicia Wilson, Esq. is the Managing Director and Head of Regional Philanthropy for North America for JPMorgan Chase. In addition to her impact work with JPMorgan Chase, Alicia is actively involved in the community through her work with civic and charitable organizations. For many years, she served as a United Way ambassador as part of the Johns Hopkins University annual fundraising campaign. She also served as co-chair of the United Way of Central Maryland Engagement Leadership Council 2019-2020.
She serves on the boards of Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland School of Law Board of Visitors, the CollegeBound Foundation, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, and the France-Merrick Foundation. She is also the co-founder of the Black Philanthropy Circle at the Baltimore Community Foundation. Her professional and civic leadership have propelled her to the forefront of local and national media attention. Most recently, she was named one of the 15 Black Marylanders to Watch for 2023 by the Baltimore Sun, was recognized as the 2024 Voice of Justice Honoree by the University of Baltimore School of Law, as one of the Power 50 Women of Influence for 2024 by the US Black Chamber of Commerce, the 2023 Sally Michel Honoree by the Parks and People Foundation, and the 2023 Change Maker of the Year by the William & Lanaea Featherstone Foundation.
The evening was about celebrating central Maryland’s most generous and dedicated citizens, as well as coming together to recognize the work that still needs to be done.
“It’s because of the dedication of these community leaders, and many others, that United Way of Central Maryland is able to tackle the tough challenges our region faces,” Baker added. “These honorees represent vastly different segments of our business and philanthropic community, but they have one very important thing in common. They recognize that the needs in our community are substantial and they know the power, the potential, and the promise of partnership.”
About United Way of Central Maryland
United Way of Central Maryland helps the working poor and those in poverty access basic needs like housing, healthcare, jobs, and education. The nonprofit’s programs promote equity, create opportunity and improve the lives of our neighbors and the neighborhoods they call home. For nearly 100 years, United Way has addressed ongoing and emerging needs in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. Learn more at uwcm.org.
