Power of the Purse 2025
We couldn’t have been more thankful for the perfect spring day for our third annual Power of the Purse event, hosted by the Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of Northwest Georgia. The skies were clear, spring was in full bloom, and more than 300 local women gathered at Walnut Hill Farm on April 30 to connect, laugh, and leave inspired.
Together, we raised critical funds for United Way’s literacy initiatives, Community Partners, and other impactful programs—none of which would be possible without the generosity of our sponsors, purse donors, guests, and staff. Thank you for making it a day to remember!
Purpose Behind the Purses
Yes, the purses & gift baskets were fabulous—13 in total, including a rainbow of designer bags and local favorites—but this event is about so much more. Every event ticket, WLC membership, and raffle ticket fuels real impact. Together, we’re helping more individuals become self-sufficient and building a stronger, more connected community.
The Day’s Highlights
The fun kicked off with check-in and hugs from old and new friends. Guests had a blast at our photo booth by Marq It Up, and ARC Studios and Jessica Carnes captured all the smiles and style!
United Way President Amanda Burt welcomed everyone and gave a huge shoutout to our sponsors, purse donors, and every guest who helped make this day so special. This year, 28 incredible sponsors stepped up to support this cause, and we had seven purses & gift baskets donated by local vendors, plus six fabulous designer bags in the mix!
Designer Level Sponsor:
Shaw Industries
Handbag Level Sponsors:
Brown Whitworth Reynolds Foundation • Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty • Dalton Utilities • Debbie Macon • Engineered Floors • Mohawk Industries • Nancy Collins, Fairway Mortgage • Textile Rubber & Chemical Company Inc.
Clutch Level Sponsors:
BDL Advisors • Kinard Family • Late Bloomers • Sandee & Rick Hooper • Walnut Hill Farm
Wristlet Level Sponsors:
Adcock Financial Group • Alyssa Perry with Perry Property Partners • Brody Jewelers
Pouch Level Sponsors:
Believe Greater Dalton • Blue Pineapple Travel • CMI Designs • Dalton Sign Soiree • Five Points Boutique • Paper Princess • Pixie Dust Delights • Raspberry Row • Simply Organized by Carla Fain • Southern Charm Clothing • The Pine Needle
Amanda also shared a quick snapshot of what our local Women’s Leadership Council is all about—over 300 strong, investing more than $1.5 million each year into local solutions. Talk about women getting things DONE!
An Empowering Message from Dr. Lisa Sponcler Norman
We were so excited to welcome our special guest speaker, Dr. Lisa Sponcler Norman—a Dalton native, doctor, mom of four, and author of the Ellie Asks children’s book series. Her talk left us inspired and energized.
Dr. Lisa shared her 3 L’s of Women’s Empowerment:
📚 Learning lays the foundation for growth
💪 Labor empowers women to thrive
🌟 Letting helps women rise through leadership
She also gave us a glimpse into her life as a physician and mom, and how she teaches virtues like hope, love, respect, joy, and gratitude through her writing. Thank you, Lisa—you are a beautiful light, and we are so grateful you shared your heart with us!
That’s a Wrap!
To our incredible Women’s Leadership Council: thank you for your dedication and for pouring your hearts into this event. Power of the Purse has become one of our most fun, fabulous, and meaningful fundraisers—and that’s all because of YOU.
As one guest said, “This is the BEST event of the year!”
We couldn’t agree more. Thank you to everyone who came out, bought a ticket, donated a purse, or simply showed up to support. This event wouldn’t be what it is without you. 💜
Mark your calendars for April 2026—trust us, you’re going to want to grab your tickets early! To be the first to hear about next year’s event or to donate a purse, reach out to Amy Ross or Stephanie Hogshead.
📸 Click here to view our 2025 Facebook album!
📱 Follow along on social: @unitedwaynwga