There is something about this season that brings people together. As the weather begins to change and another year starts winding down, our community turns its attention toward giving, serving, and taking care of one another. At United Way of Northwest Georgia, that spirit is at the heart of our annual campaign.

On September 24, we gathered at Burr Park in downtown Dalton to officially kick off our 2026 Campaign with a celebration that was truly Red, White, and United. Campaign Co-Chairs Sara and David Pennington IV returned for a second year of leadership and joined us in announcing an ambitious goal for the year ahead: to impact 45,000 lives across Whitfield and Murray counties.

The dollars raised during our 2026 Campaign will go to work in 2027, supporting programs, resources, and opportunities that help our neighbors build stronger futures. Behind that goal of 45,000 lives are real people, children who need opportunities to succeed, families working toward financial stability, neighbors facing unexpected challenges, and individuals who need someone in their corner.

Of course, Campaign Kickoff would not be complete without one of our favorite traditions—the 14th Annual CEO Trike Race. Dalton Utilities raced to victory for the second year in a row, Dalton Public Schools took home Best Pit Crew, and Shaw Industries earned Best Uniform. The competition is always fun, but what I love most is seeing companies, employees, volunteers, and community leaders come together for a shared purpose.

This year’s celebration was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Engineered Floors; Finish Line Sponsors Dalton Utilities and Shaw Industries; and Supporter Sponsors Aditya Birla Chemicals, BDL Advisors, Emerald Carpets, Regions, Mohawk Industries, JBM Office Solutions, and The Oil Well. Their partnership helps make moments like Campaign Kickoff possible and demonstrates what it looks like when local businesses invest in the community they call home.

That same spirit is reflected in our 2026 Pacesetter Companies. These businesses and organizations stepped forward early to set the pace for this year’s campaign. Their employees give, volunteer, advocate, and encourage others to join them. I am grateful to every Pacesetter company that has chosen to lead the way this year.

But Campaign Kickoff is exactly that—a kickoff. Our work is far from finished.

Reaching 45,000 lives will take all of us. It will take individuals choosing to give through their workplace campaign. It will take companies making corporate investments. It will take volunteers giving their time and talents. It will take people sharing our mission with a friend, coworker, or neighbor who may not yet know the difference United Way makes in Northwest Georgia.

And that difference reaches across every stage of life.

Through our focus on Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency, United Way brings people and resources together to address our community’s most pressing needs. We invest in strong local programs, connect people to critical resources, develop the next generation of community leaders, and create opportunities for people to give back in meaningful ways.

Every gift matters because every life matters.

As we head into the final months of 2026, I hope we carry the energy we felt at Burr Park with us. There is still work to do, and we need our entire community beside us. Whether you give, advocate, volunteer, or encourage your workplace to participate, you have a role in helping us reach 45,000 lives.

I am incredibly grateful for our donors, volunteers, Community Partners, Board members, campaign leaders, corporate partners, and everyone who continues to believe in what is possible when Northwest Georgia comes together.
Let’s finish 2026 strong—and make an impact that will be felt throughout our community in 2027 and for years to come.

United is the Way!

Amanda Burt is the President of United Way of Northwest Georgia. 
The mission of United Way is Improving Lives. Inspiring Donors. Uniting Community.