Leesburg – Friday, United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties (UWLS) hosted their 2nd annual Hometown Hero Hoedown and awarded 4 winners including two individuals in Sumter County and two individuals in Lake County. The winners were:

• Mrs. Linda Mobley – Lake County
• Ms. Jennifer Ganley – Lake County
• Ms. Connie Mahan – Sumter County
• Mrs. Pat Hayes – Sumter County

All four winner have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to public service in our community. Chairman Sean Parks and Chairman Craig Estep, from the Lake County Commission and the Sumter County Commission respectively, announced each winner alongside UWLS CEO, Monica Wofford, and Pam Jones from Congressman Daniel Webster’s Office.

(From left to right: Mobley, Parks, Ganley, Jones, Wofford, Hayes, Estep, & Mahan)

A surprise Star of Service Award recipient was also announced with Groveland Police Chief, Shawn Ramsey, being named United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties’ second recipient. The Star of Service is awarded within UWLS’ Mission United program devoted to serving Veterans and the award highlights a Veteran or First Responder who has provided exceptional public service to our community. UWLS Board of Director’s Chair, Dr. Laura Byrd and UWLS CEO, Monica Wofford announced the winner alongside Groveland Mayor, Evelyn Wilson.

(From left to right: Byrd, Wofford, Ramsey, Wilson)

While announcing 37 nominees, awarding 4 winners and announcing the Star of Service recipient, UWLS was proud to share that they raised over $40,000 from sponsors and individual donors during the event. These funds will be used to fund programs dedicated to the enrichment of Income, Education, and Health for those in the greatest need in our communities, along with serving our Veteran population.

Individuals looking to give directly can visit UWLS online at: UWLS.org