The Brightside: Community philanthropist receives Salisbury Award

SALISBURY, Md. – Community local Chip Dashiell truly wasn’t expecting the surprise he received at this year’s Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore luncheon.

The event drew in a crowd of over 400 guests and the room was filled with local leaders, from business owners  to philanthropists. 

“It’s because of the kind of community we have; we have such a generous community, people are responding to countless causes and organizations that they help support and lead and it makes a real difference,” said Dashiell.

Chip was the 2025 recipient of the Salisbury Award, an esteemed accolade in the city that recognizes individuals who are committed to giving back and being change makers in the community.

Chip certainly fits the criteria. He’s former chairman of the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, one of the first supporters of the Community Foundation,  and a past president of the Blood Bank of Delmarva. Yet, through all that work, he said he’s not quite ready to slow down. If anything, the award has given him momentum to give back even more. 

“It’s always special when something happens that you’re not expecting, but I’m very grateful for the recognition, but most importantly, I’m so pleased to be a part of this special community,” Dashiell said.

He encourages the younger generation to begin planting seeds of positivity now, so they can blossom into something beautiful in the future. 

“Keep involved in this community; it’s a special place, we’re very fortunate to live in a community where people respond so generously to all the various needs that make our community a better place to live and work,” Dashiell said.