BURT: $4.155 million reasons to support the United Way of Northwest Georgia

Published 8:00 am Saturday, October 5, 2024

Autumn is here. As the leaves turn brilliant shades and the air cools to that perfect Southern crisp, there is something special about fall in Northwest Georgia. For me, it is the season of giving, and nothing captures this spirit better than our United Way campaign.

This year, our annual United Way campaign is back, and it is bigger and bette. We have kicked off with a bang, led by our passionate Pacesetter companies and amazing individuals who know just how crucial the United Way of Northwest Georgia is to our community’s well-being. This beloved tradition is all about lifting those who need it most and making our community a better place for everyone.

We had a blast at our Campaign Kickoff Party and CEO Trike Race on Sept. 17 at Burr Park. The energy was electric as Bradley Austin and Karen Townsend, our campaign co-chairs, revealed our ambitious goal: $4.155 million for Whitfield and Murray counties.

Karen put it perfectly: “Each year, our community’s generosity is inspiring. We aim not just to meet but to exceed last year’s goal, ensuring we support those who need it most.”

The excitement hit a peak when Dorsett Industries zoomed to victory at our 12th annual CEO Trike Race. In addition to our coveted trike race trophy, we added two new awards this year: Best Pit Crew and Best Uniform. Engineered Floors won Best Pit Crew and Cargill won Best Uniform. These additions sparked excitement and enthusiasm, encouraging trike competitors to join in on the fun in new and creative ways.

The United Way makes a difference in nearly 65,000 lives throughout Whitfield and Murray counties. We do not just talk about connecting those in need with those who can help, we live it every day. Our 26 Community Partners, grantees and programs are a testament to that. We are deeply grateful for the support we have received from corporate partners and individual donors alike. Thank you for believing in us and our mission.

Pacesetters:Adcock Financial Group, Advanced Insurance Strategies, Americhem Inc., Bank of America, Bank OZK, BDL Advisors, Big B Cleaners, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, Builtwell Bank, Burgess Auto Service, Cargill, Carniceria Nachos, Carpet and Rug Institute, Carpet Industry Clearinghouse Inc., Carstar-White’s Collision Services, Carter Hope Center, Cohutta Bank — Synovus, Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty, Columbia Recycling, Cross Plains Community Partner, Cyra’s, Dalton Public Schools, Dalton Utilities, Direct Packaging, Dixie Group Foundation, Dorsett Industries, Engineered Floors, Extruded Fibers, Family Frameworks, Family Support Council, Friendship House, Girl Scouts, Glaze Supply Co., Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, Houston Family Foundation, International Flooring Co. Kobayashi, Mannington Phenix, Marketing Alliance Group, Marsh McLennan, Maryville Jewelers, Material Handling Inc., Mohawk Industries, Murray County Schools, Murray County 4-H, Myers Carpet Co., Nichols, Cauley and Associates, Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center, Oakwood Cafe, Peds Care P.C., Professional Testing Laboratory, Rebuilding Hope, RossWoods Adult Day Services, Salvation Army, Scouts BSA, Shaw Industries, Southern Janitorial, Tax Xpress, Textile & Industrial Sales Inc., The Carpentry Hotel, The Cowan Law Firm, The Gallant Goat, The GreenHouse, The Hart Family Foundation, The Minor Firm, Trevor Brown Law, Truist, United Way of Northwest Georgia, Whitfield County 4-H, Whitfield County Schools, Whitfield County-Dalton Day Care Center and Xpress Global Systems.

But we are not done yet. To reach our 2024 campaign goal of $4.155 million we need everyone to pitch in. Here’s how you can get involved.

Make a donation: Every dollar counts. Your contribution, big or small, can make a significant impact. Visit ourunitedway.org/give to donate.

Corporate gifts: Encourage your company to show its commitment to community development with a corporate gift.

Volunteer: Donate your time and skills. Many organizations need volunteers, and your efforts can change lives.

Spread the word: Share our campaign on social media, with friends, and within your networks. The more people we reach, the greater the impact.

The momentum is building. Local businesses and individuals are already stepping up, creating a wonderful sense of unity and purpose. Together, we can achieve incredible things. Our United Way campaign is proof of the extraordinary power of community spirit.

Join us and be part of this transformative journey. Support our 2024 campaign by visiting ourunitedway.org/give. United, we can create a thriving community for all.

Don’t miss out on the latest updates. Follow us on social media: Search United Way of Northwest Georgia on Facebook or @UnitedWayNWGA on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok. For more ways to get involved, visit www.volunteernwga.org.

United, we do more!

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