As we celebrate Mother's Day, we honor and thank all the women who have helped us become who we are. They may be our moms, aunts, grandmothers, teachers, community leaders, or church members. As I look around, I see many women who are inspiring change. National Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity for us to express our gratitude to the incredible educators who shape the minds and hearts of our children. From imparting knowledge to providing guidance and inspiration, educators play a crucial role in molding the future generation. As we celebrate many of the amazing women in our lives in May, let us take a moment to reflect on the impact teachers, counselors, and coaches have on our lives and community. Their dedication and passion leave an indelible mark on the lives of their students, shaping them into the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow. United Way has helped countless individuals and families lead better lives. It is inspiring to see some of those same people now inspiring others.
We recently hosted our second annual Power of the Purse Event on Wednesday, April 17, at Walnut Hill Farm. It was a day to remember! We could not be more thankful for the perfect day to have our Women's Leadership Council Power of the Purse (POP) event. The skies were clear, spring had sprung, and we were surrounded by women with giving hearts. This year, we had six purses donated by local vendors and five designer handbags. Nineteen sponsors stepped up to support United Way and this important cause. Thank you – we are beyond grateful for your continued support!
Designer Level: Shaw Industries
Handbag Level: Brown Whitworth Reynolds Foundation, Dalton Utilities, Engineered Floors, Debbie Macon, Mohawk Industries
Clutch Level: Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty, Early Childhood Initiative of Northwest Georgia, Kinard Family, Walnut Hill Farm
Wristlet Level: Adcock Financial Group
Pouch Level: Believe Greater Dalton, CC and Company, Just Peachy, Paper Princess, Raspberry Row, Southern Charm Clothing, The Pine Needle
Our Women's Leadership Council (WLC) is a diverse, vibrant community, bound together by a powerful sense of belonging — to each other, United Way's mission, and the community we call home. With more than 300 women as members and $1.5 million invested annually in local solutions, we create change in targeted ways. We are part of the global force of the Women United movement of over 55,000 strong.
We had the fantastic opportunity to hear from our exceptional guest and Dalton native, Ashley Callahan. Ashley Callahan has a Master's Degree in the History of American Decorative Arts from Parsons School of Design and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and a Bachelor's Degree in Art History from Sewanee, the University of the South. Ashley is an independent scholar and former curator of decorative arts at the Georgia Museum of Art and is the author of several books, including Frankie Welch's Americana: Fashion, Scarves, and Politics, Southern Tufts: The Regional Origins and National Craze for Chenille Fashion, and co-author of Crafting History: Textiles, Metals, and Ceramics at the University of Georgia.
At POP, Ashley had such an inspiring presentation on Southern Tufts and the history of Frankie Welch! Her passion and knowledge highlighting the history of fashion and girl power in Northwest Georgia was inspiring! Thank you, Ashley Callahan, for your wonderful message! You are a beautiful, shining light, and we are so grateful you shared your knowledge with us.
The Women's Leadership Council is the best way to connect with other like-minded women and join in the Power of Community. Join today: ourunitedway.org/womens-leadership-council.
We United Way of Northwest Georgia's Youth and Volunteer Celebration was held on Thursday, April 25, at Mack Gaston Community Center! Four sponsors stepped up to support United Way and this important cause: Sandee Hooper, Mannington Phenix, Mohawk Industries, & Shaw Industries. United Way honors volunteers in Whitfield and Murray counties whose service has exemplified a commitment to bring hope, promise, and opportunity to the lives of others.
At this event, we honored two adults for their outstanding volunteerism. Wesley Barrel with the Elaine Butler Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Murray County. Wesley Barrel gave over 200 hours to make Murray County a better place! Clyde Taylor with the Connie Woodward Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Whitfield County. Clyde volunteered 120 hours in 2023!
To honor the legacy of Elbert Shaw's commitment to volunteer service and youth development, Shaw Industries annually partners with United Way of Northwest Georgia to offer two $5,000 scholarships for high school students. Brayden Perry and Meredith Anne received scholarships this year.
United Way recognizes a youth member taking action to make our community a better place to live and demonstrates a commitment to United Way's mission through exceptional volunteer efforts. Rahlyn Green is this year's Youth Volunteer of the Year.
To conclude the evening, we presented our 22 United Way Youth United Council Members with their certificates and graduation cords. The Youth United Council is a leadership program of United Way of Northwest Georgia with programming provided by The University of Georgia's J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, "Youth Leadership in Action". The goal is to build individual leadership skills, foster positive group dynamics, and increase civic and community involvement. The curriculum concentrates on youth development and leadership, two critical principles for successfully transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.
Visit ourunitedway.org to learn how to Give, Advocate, and Volunteer and to view United Way's total impact on our local community! Follow United Way on social media: @unitedwaynwga. Remember—United, We Do More! Happy Mother's Day!
Amanda Burt is the President of United Way of Northwest Georgia.
The mission of United Way is Improving Lives. Inspiring Donors. Uniting Community.