BURT: Corporate partnerships make significant impact on our community

Published 2:00 pm Saturday, July 6, 2024

Summer is here, school is out and vacation time is upon us. But at the United Way of Northwest Georgia our work is just getting started. Our dedicated volunteers are already in full swing, gearing up for this year’s campaign.

Last year, we exceeded our campaign goal, raising an incredible $4.155 million. It was no small feat, and we are ready to tackle the challenge again with an outstanding Campaign Cabinet led by the dynamic mother-daughter duo Bradley Austin and Karen Townsend. We are thrilled to partner with such inspiring leaders to make a powerful impact in our community.

Our Campaign Cabinet sets the stage for success, rallying local businesses and individuals to join us in making a difference. These committed volunteers believe in United Way’s mission and have seen firsthand the transformative impact of our programs. They are driven by a passion for supporting United Way’s impact areas: healthy community, youth opportunity, financial security and community resiliency.

A big shoutout to our 2024 Campaign Cabinet for all their hard work so far:

— Bradley Austin and Karen Townsend, campaign co-chairs, Shaw Industries Inc. and community volunteer.

— Zack Adamson, Engineered Floors.

— Blake Adcock, Adcock Financial.

— Amy Anderson, Human Resources Consulting.

— Elizabeth Caperton, Barrett Properties.

— James Coker, Signature Flooring.

— Scot Davis, Shaw Industries Inc.

— Shane Day, Textile Rubber & Chemical — Tiarco.

— Julian Dossche, International Flooring Co.

— David Gregg, Bank OZK.

— Bob Hardaway, Shaw Industries Inc.

— Sandee Hooper, community volunteer.

— Lance Lewis, Direct Packaging.

— Chuck McClurg, Shaw Industries Inc.

— Zac Long, community volunteer.

— John Patterson, Material Handling Inc.

— Gage Peeples, United Surface Solutions.

— David Pennington, Advanced Insurance Strategies.

— Patti Renz, Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty.

— Pete Sigmon, Shaw Industries Inc. retiree.

— Greg Wrenn, International Flooring Co.

— Kevin Wright, Marketing Alliance Group.

— Joe Young, Engineered Floors.

— Will Young, Engineered Floors.

If you are a local corporation or small business, you might wonder why partnering with United Way matters. The answer is simple: Giving back to our community is more important now than ever. Your contributions stay local, ensuring our neighbors do not go hungry, children have safe places to learn and families in need get the support they deserve. Together, we can create a thriving community in Whitfield and Murray counties.

Since the 1940s, the United Way of Northwest Georgia has been dedicated to advancing health and education to strengthen livelihoods and local resilience. Our mission — “Improving Lives, Inspiring Donors and Uniting Community” — has never been more vital.

You, your corporation or small business can help in many ways. One impactful option is making a corporate gift or hosting a United Way workplace campaign. Workplace campaigns are a fantastic way for you and your employees to engage with United Way and contribute to our community’s well-being. Our motto is clear: “Get Involved, Give Back and Take Action.”

We provide all the tools and resources you need for a successful campaign, including impact posters, brochures, giving guides, pledge cards, impact stories, email templates and more. For more details, check out our Campaign Toolkit at www.ourunitedway.org/company-resources or email amy.ross@ourunitedway.org.

Corporate volunteering is another excellent way to make a difference. Volunteer hours combined with corporate partnerships create a meaningful impact. If you are interested in or would like to schedule a corporate volunteer project, please email hayley.poillucci@ourunitedway.org for more information.

By coming together, we can achieve something extraordinary. Let’s unite, help and inspire one another like never before. We are a powerful and inspiring community. Join us in making a difference and changing lives.

“United, We Do More!”

Amanda Burt is the president of the United Way of Northwest Georgia.