We could not be more thankful for the perfect day to have our Women’s Leadership Council Power of the Purse event. The skies were clear, spring had sprung, and we were surrounded by women with giving hearts! Our first Power of the Purse Event was held on Wednesday, April 19 at The Farm Golf Club – and WOW, was it a day to remember! Funds raised will support United Way’s literacy initiatives, Community Partners, and other programs - we could not have done it without the support of our generous sponsors, purse donors, and staff.
This year we rebranded our Annual Spring Symposium to the Power of the Purse (POP) event. We felt this platform embraced our women’s group and offered additional ways to engage each of the ladies in attendance while also having a fun and meaningful celebration! With this new event, we had beautiful raffle pieces available - including a Kim Kinard Schuessler original painting!
The day began with guests checking in and reconnecting with old and new friends. The ladies had an awesome time at our photo booth, that Inflated created for us, with the talented Ansley Suddeth Photography taking our pictures! We were then served exquisite chicken salad on top of a spring mix salad, a side of tomato soup, and a yummy plate of associated desserts! Special thank you to Kelsey Pitts, with Kelsey's Blooms for the gorgeous floral arrangements!
Our President, Amanda Burt, began the United Way presentation by thanking our sponsors who made this event a reality. This year, we had 5 purses donated by local vendors, Kim Kinard Schussler donated an original painting, and 17 sponsors – we are beyond grateful for the continued support!
Our Designer Level Sponsor:
Shaw Industries
Our Handbag Level Sponsors:
Brown Whitworth Reynolds Foundation
Dalton Utilities
Debbie Macon
Early Childhood Initiative
Kinard Family
Mohawk Industries
Textile Rubber & Chemical Company
Our Clutch Level Sponsors:
Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty
Engineered Floors
The Farm Golf Club
Our Pouch Level Sponsors:
Adcock Financial Group
Brandee Sanderson
CC and Co
Raspberry Row
Southern Charm Clothing
The Pine Needle
She then highlighted our local Women’s Leadership Council stating, “Our local group has over 300 members investing over $1.5 million annually in local solutions. We are able to create change in targeted ways, while also being a part of the global force of the Women United movement of over 55,000 strong. Remember: with girl power in your heart, you can change the world!”
“It was an incredible day! United Way of Northwest Georgia and our Women’s Leadership Council is the connecting point for women to engage in a meaningful and impactful way in improving the education, basic needs, and health of every person in our community. It was so inspiring to see so many women in one place who desire to do more for their community,” said United Way of Northwest Georgia President, Amanda Burt.
We had the amazing opportunity to hear from a very special guest, Kim Kinard Schuessler. Kim stated, “I’m here to share my passion and my quest to pursue creativity and to simply have an awesome luncheon honoring YOU and United Way.”
My southern roots run deep, and southern pronunciation or “drawl” is always present, so I often get the question, “Where are you from?” My eyes light up and my smile grows big when I proudly say, “Dalton, Georgia!” Like most Southerners, my faith is strong, my family comes first, and I am passionate about my work.
From Georgia to Hong Kong and then from Hong Kong to Puerto Rico with many stops in between, I have found that although the scenery and the cultures are extreme in their differences, much remains the same. We all need someone to love, something to hope for, and goals to achieve. We all need encouragement. My paintings depict these common essentials: couples dancing, women standing strong, and friends creating a support system. I am inspired by people and their relationships as well as color, texture, and fashion. My wish is that the work I create increases hope, spreads love, creates joy, and offers encouragement.
To date, my greatest sense of accomplishment has been seeing people enjoy my works at places I never imagined- the Hank Aaron Museum grand opening, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the conference room at Spanx as well as Spanx products, The Congressional Ladies Luncheon in DC and in periodicals such as INSTYLE, Better Homes and Gardens, The Atlantan, Creative Loafing, and many others. I am an optimist who wants my audience to pursue their passion, find joy in everyday occurrences, and cherish those they love. Kim resides between Puerto Rico and New York City. Kim and her husband, Mac Schuessler, have three grown children: Emme, Swann, and Mac iii.
At POP, Kim talked about the Power of the Purse - because it DOES have POWER. Kim mentioned that there are three things that she always carries in her purse - lipstick, her phone, and her keys - she fills the rest of her purse with Passion, Determination, Courage, Creativity, and Community. These five things help her to navigate her world.
After Kim gave such an inspiring message she had an interactive art lesson with the guests in attendance. First, they participated in blind contour line drawing. Kim stated, “This is an exercise. It’s not going to look great, but don’t be afraid of how they are looking. This helps train your brain to actually see what’s in front of you, not what you “think” something looks like.” The guests loved this exercise!!
After this Kim had guests come up to help her finish a painting she is currently working on. The guests took pieces of paper, and with a binding medium, they placed the paper on the painting. It was such a special moment for all those involved. United Way wants to extend a special thank you to Kim for donating the painting that everyone worked on at the POP event. This painting will be displayed at United Way’s Center for Community Engagement. To be enjoyed by all who visit!
Kim Kinard Schuessler is truly a fresh voice for her generation. Thank you to Kim Kinard Schuessler for your inspiring message and interactive program! You are a beautiful shining light, and we are so grateful that you shared your story and gift with us.
We want to thank our Women’s Leadership Council for leading Power of the Purse this year. Without their dedication and work within our community, POP would not be where it is at today! Last, but certainly not least, we want to thank all of YOU for attending and supporting POP! You make the event what it is, and we could not be more grateful. Save the date for April 2024 - we hope to see you all at next year’s POP!
Contact Amy Ross for purse donation and sponsorship details for 2024.
You can view the Power of the Purse 2023 Facebook album here.
Follow us on social media - @unitedwaynwga!
Thank you to Jessica Carnes for these beautiful photos!