Nominated by: Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation

With a heart rooted in gratitude and a steadfast commitment to community, Sally Ehrle exemplifies what it means to be a true philanthropist. For decades, Sally has dedicated herself to causes that strengthen the fabric of the Annapolis community and beyond. Whether through hands-on volunteer work, leadership giving, or inspiring others to act, Sally’s impact is both wide-reaching and deeply personal.

Sally and her late husband, Raymond, worked hard throughout their careers and lived a modest lifestyle to meet their personal goal of maximizing contributions to their estate that could later be allocated to local nonprofits. “Use the funds to help others” was a common saying of Raymond and these words are now words that Sally lives by. From making a significant cornerstone gift to Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) to supporting local nonprofits and endowed scholarships, Sally’s philanthropy is heartfelt, strategic, and far-reaching.
Sally’s recent gift will fund a multi-year capital expansion at LHAAMC and in recognition of her generous contribution, LHAAMC has named the Sally and Raymond Ehrle Lobby in the hospital’s North Pavilion.

Though the LHAAMC gift is transformational in impact, true to Sally’s humble spirit, the gift’s amount remains private. “For Sally, it’s not about the number, but the impact it will have,” said nominator Elizabeth Gross, Vice President, LHAAMC Foundation. “It’s about giving back to a community she loves and ensuring that others have access to the care they need, when they need it most.”

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts was the recipient of Sally’s first local philanthropic gift. As a former volunteer usher and concert manager, Sally supported a capital campaign that improved the facility’s stage, seating, and climate systems. Her passion for the performing arts has continued through ongoing support of Maryland Hall.

As a longtime resident of Heritage Harbour, Sally’s community engagement began with service on the Foundation Board of the Parole (Annapolis) Rotary and as founding President of the Heritage Harbour Women’s Club. In 2016, Sally led the transition of the Women’s Club into a nonprofit focused on Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Membership quickly grew past 200 under her leadership. Since 2016, the Women’s Club has provided funds for 13 LHAAMC nursing scholarships, totaling nearly $80,000.

On her own, Sally established two endowed scholarships at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC): the Ehrle Paramedic Scholarship and the Future Nursing Professionals Scholarship in Memory of June Fisher, her sister. Sally also honored the legacy of her husband, Raymond Ehrle, and their family by naming the Ehrle Family Emergency Medical Services Suite in AACC’s Health and Life Sciences Building. Her estate includes continued support for nursing education.

A passionate supporter of lifelong learning, Sally also supports two other community institutions close to her heart: St. John’s College and the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL). “What sets Sally apart is not just her generosity, but the way she profoundly values public libraries and believes it’s a place where all belong,” said Cathleen Sparrow, Executive Director, AACPL Foundation. “She gives with humility, invests with wisdom, and inspires others to follow her lead.”