It is hard to believe we are already in March, but the signs of spring are evident. At United Way of Northwest Georgia, we are celebrating our community’s 2023 achievements. We are excited about what plans we have in place for 2024 under the leadership of Board Chair, Julian Dossche. In late February, we held our first Board of Directors meeting, where Julian shared a compelling vision that underscores a commitment to driving transformative change and fostering community resilience.
In his address to our Board and staff, Julian articulated a bold vision that encapsulates United Way's unwavering dedication to serving our communities and addressing our most pressing challenges. Central to this vision is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances or background. Our ability to strengthen and broaden our support base is critical to reaching these bold goals.
"As we step into the new year's limitless possibilities, I am excited about the transformative impact we can collectively achieve at United Way of Northwest Georgia. You all are an integral part of our journey, and your dedication, creativity, and passion are the driving forces that will help our community thrive. Here's to a year filled with growth, accomplishment, and the collective spirit that defines our extraordinary team. Your commitment strengthens us, and we can achieve much more together. Let’s embrace the power of working together. United, We Do More. More for our community, more for each other, and more for the shared vision of a thriving Northwest Georgia," shared Dossche.
Thank you to our 2024 Board of Directors for your servant leadership.
2024 Board Chair, *Julian Dossche, International Flooring Company, LLC
*Allen Bentley, Benbrook, Inc. | Hank Blackwood, Dalton Utilities | Will Brackett, Nichols, Cauley & Associates | Curtis Callaway, Shaw Industries | Elizabeth Caperton, Barrett Properties | Emily Finkell, Community Volunteer | Mike Fromm, Shaw Industries | Tatum Hackney, Shaw Industries | *Landon Hair, Marketing Alliance Group | *Russell Headrick, Shaw Industries | Tammy Herndon, Herndon Properties | Sandee Hooper, Community Volunteer | Amy Kinard, Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty | Juan Martinez, Shaw Industries | *Matthew Moore, Shaw Industries | *Marianne Murry, Engineered Floors | Gage Peeples, United Surface Solutions | David Pennington, IV, Advanced Insurance Strategies | Isabel Pimentel, Engineered Floors | Carlos Ramirez, Eclectic 79 | Patti Renz, Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty | Sadde Salaices, Infosys Consulting | *Mike Sanderson, Engineered Floors | Jonathan Sierra, Shaw Industries | *Jill Schubert, Mohawk Industries | *Karen Townsend, Community Volunteer | Jamie Welborn, Mohawk Industries | Brent Williams, Shaw Industries | Kevin Wright, Marketing Alliance Group | Joe Young, Engineered Floors | Will Young, Engineered Floors.*Executive Committee
We have six new Board Members joining the ranks this year.
- Will Brackett, Nichols, Cauley & Associates
- Curtis Callaway, Shaw Industries
- Sandee Hooper, Community Volunteer
- Marianne Murry, Engineered Floors
- David Pennington, IV, Advanced Insurance Strategies
- Sadde Salaices, Infosys Consulting
With this shared vision and collective determination, United Way of Northwest Georgia will make 2024 a year of profound impact and meaningful change.
We have some exciting events coming up, so please mark your calendars and join us.
National Volunteer Week is April 21-27. Throughout National Volunteer Week, we will be highlighting five special volunteers! At our Youth and Volunteer Awards celebration, we will award two Elbert Shaw Memorial Scholarship winners, United Way's Youth Volunteer of the Year, the Connie Woodward Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Whitfield County, and the Elaine Butler Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Murray County, and the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards.
The United Way Women's Leadership Council is hosting its second annual Power of the Purse event on April 17 at Walnut Hill Farm. The Power of the Purse event will feature door prizes, raffles of mid-to-high-end purses, and a luncheon featuring guest speaker, Ashley Callahan. Ashley 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 (UGA Press), and co-author of Crafting History: Textiles, Metals, and Ceramics at the University of Georgia (Georgia Museum of Art). It will be a fun event! Event registration is open on our website, ourunitedway.org/events.
This year promises a brighter future, shaped by the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of United Way and our Community Partners. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, our organization remains a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring communities to come together and build a better tomorrow for all. We thank all who have supported United Way's mission and reaffirm our unwavering dedication to building a Northwest Georgia where all can thrive.
United, we do more!
Amanda Burt is the President of United Way of Northwest Georgia.
The mission of United Way is Improving Lives. Inspiring Donors. Uniting Community.