HOW TO LIVE UNITED:

Winners                                                                                             Nominator

Winner High School- College Category

Winner Middle School Category-tie

Winner Elementary School category- tie

Coker School Safety Patrol                                                                             Barbie Kendrick

DHS JROTC                                                                                        Sergeant Majors Vasquez

JROTC volunteers for any project they can get involved! They volunteered (on a school holiday) to sort 20,000 cans of food that were collected for the needy during Hands on Georgia Week. They also completed over 30 color guard ceremonies for various community events, and conducted 3 car washes to raise money. This dedicated group had 40 volunteers who helped lead the Dream Day Camp that was held on the MLK school holiday, and directed traffic for the fair benefiting the American Legion. JROTC also volunteered to assist in 2 orientation events at Dalton Middle School. This group encourages kids to help in the community in a safe and positive way. By volunteering, the JROTC learns more about their own surroundings and needs in the community and improves lives in Northwest Georgia.

National Honor Society - Dalton High School                                                Teresa Harper

These students give much of their time to the community. They each volunteer for a total of 36 hours per school year. This year’s volunteer activities included:  serving in soup kitchens and baby-sitting during a family literacy night.  These young people visit local nursing homes for a dance, provide peer-tutoring programs, manage events for local facilities, and even planned a Spring Soccer tournament to benefit Katrina Relief.  National Honor Society is involved in a variety of activities that benefit the community and they assist in any way that can bring a smile to other’s faces.

Feed the Children Volunteers                                                                         David Kitchens    

Bradley Norton, Brandon Norton, Alexis Norton, Zach Stafford

These volunteers are very eager to helping less fortunate children! During the summer these four youth volunteers participated in providing help through the Summer Feeding Program at Carolyn Baptist Church.  They became very involved making sure the food was appeasing to the children, providing entertainment such as movies and music, and helping the adults with the coolers and other much needed services. Thanks to their dedication, patience, and creativity the children receiving the food experienced a great time while enjoying their meal.

DALTON, Ga.—February 3, 2007—Cross Plains Community Partners, formerly Cheerhaven, invites the Dalton community to participate in the Hal Ross Inaugural Memorial Golf Tournament at Nob North Golf Club on April 17, 2007.

What would life be like without a best friend? Or a job to prepare for in the morning? Or even something as simple as an outing to the movies? There are people right here in the Dalton community for whom these basic things are a challenge.

Cross Plains is a United Way-sponsored program that provides vocational support and community experiences for developmentally delayed adults—and has been doing so for 50 years. The mission of Cross Plains is to support a community where all people have the opportunity of choice, leadership and employment. Job coaches assist individuals in finding and maintaining employment—and several now work in various community businesses, such as Wal-Mart, Bi-lo, Hamilton Medical Center and Captain D’s. One individual is a budding artist and has created work that will be used in the tournament auction.

Despite their outreach success, however, Cross Plains needs help raising funds for more staff, equipment for the center and outings. And you can help make a difference through the golf tournament, which organizers hope will raise $12,000. The tournament will be played as a four-man scramble. After it, there will be an awards reception, a raffle and an auction. Individual player fees are $100 and sponsorship packages ranges from $200 to $10,000.

“Cross Plains is about the community—so bringing the community out for a fun day of golf to support this program was an easy choice,” said Debbie Conway, Cross Plain director. “This program is about independent and meaningful lives—it’s a gift that so many of us take for granted. We need the financial support from the community to further this wonderful program and give this gift to the individuals who need the services of Cross Plains.

Saul Raisin, celebrity cyclist, is the honorary chairperson for the golf tournament. Saul, area residents may remember, has overcome a devastating cycling accident that took place less than a year ago during a race in France.

To register for the tournament, find out more about Cross Plains, or make a donation, please call DeAnn Rauth, tournament director, at 706-278-8143.

National Volunteer Week - Celebration

(April 24-28, 2006)

April 24^th through the 28^th was National Volunteer Week and the United Way of Northwest Georgia celebrated area volunteers with three special recognition banquets.

On Tuesday, April 25^th, an adult banquet was held at Dalton’s First United Methodist Church to honor Whitfield County’s many dedicated volunteers.

Cindy McCreery of Rocky Face, Georgia won the Connie Woodward Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Whitfield County.  Cindy is Principal with Medical Business Concepts in Dalton.  She has been an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Dalton for 20 years.  She also served on the Board of the Creative Arts Guild for 5 years, the Voluntary Action Center, now part of United Way, for 3 years, and has been an active Dalton Garden Club Council member for more than 10 years. Cindy brings intelligence and common sense to all projects.  She is a brilliant organizer.  Her capacity for caring is matched by her capacity for making things happen.  She has an inspiring attitude, and leads by example. Cindy is a driving force behind the annual Kiwanis Club Pancake Day and set the record for the most tickets sold, over 1,000.

Hamilton Medical Center - Gift Shop Volunteers won the 2006 United Way Award for Outstanding Group Volunteerism.  Some 30 members strong, this group of ladies gives a cumulative average of 350 – 400 hours per month of service 7 days a week. 

These volunteers have a direct impact on the lives of those they help.  Sometimes they assist with a product purchase.  Sometimes they are a shoulder to lean on when a loved one is sick, and other times they share in the jubilation of another new parent or grandparent anxious to show off the photos of their new baby.  Nominated by Caron Peavey of Hamilton Medical Center, this group is critical to running the gift shop at Hamilton Medical Center.  The proceeds from the gift shop flow back into improving the operations at Hamilton Medical Center and for purchasing new equipment.

On Wednesday, April 26^th, an adult banquet was held at Chatsworth’s First United Methodist Church to honor Murray County’s many dedicated volunteers.

 Sherrie L. Gore of Chatsworth, Georgia won the Elaine Butler Award for Outstanding Volunteerism in Murray County.  Sherrie moved to the Dalton-Chatsworth area in the late 80’s and immediately took an interest in her community.  She went to work for Murray County Schools in 1989 and began working with the youth and Senior Citizens at First Baptist Church of Chatsworth.  While at the church, she began teaching English classes to several Latino families and became a mentor to several of the children.  Sherrie also volunteers with the local American Red Cross and provides countless hours of service to area children of all levels. Another way Sherrie gives back to her community is through volunteering as the Director for Holly Creek Baptist’s Upward Basketball program.  Sherrie has been described as; “A person who has a big heart.  Wherever she hears of a need or a crisis, she is the first to respond.”  Unknown to others, she contributes her time or money to individuals and families.

 On Thursday, April 27^th, the annual Kiwanis Club-United Way Youth Volunteer Awards banquet was held at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center to honor our area’s many dedicated Youth volunteers.  30 Individuals and 30 groups were nominated and all were recognized for their achievements with certificates.

Individual Winners -

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer 

Rebecca was a volunteer at the 2005 State of Georgia Summer Games.  She assisted the Special Olympic Swim Team and was of great help to everyone.

Tiffany Payne

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer

Tiffany has shown true volunteerism. Even though Tiffany’s grandmother is no longer a resident of a local nursing home, she still volunteers there and collects items to take to the residents. The smiles on their faces are reward enough to let Tiffany know she is still needed.  She has also become involved in the Buddy Program, FCCLA, and FBLA where she is currently President. And as if that was not enough, this young lady continues to help at Westmore Church of God.  Her commitment is beyond impressive.

Meagan Yaeger

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer 

Meagan Volunteered was a swim buddy for the athletes during the Special Olympics.  She would participate with them in the water and would praise their accomplishments motivating them to have fun and learn.

Raven Hughey

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer

Raven worked as a volunteer for the Special Olympics; she worked with the horses preparing them for the athletes and ensured they all enjoyed the experience. Her motivational actions allowed many athletes to have a great time.

Jeremy Dwayne Tippens

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award

Joshua R. Tippens

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer 

Josh volunteers extensively for the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. He folds and stuffs mailers, cleans in the office, and helps set up for the annual fundraiser walk. Josh also volunteers to help beautify his school through working with the Beautification Committee and as a member of the Garden Club. Josh recently purchased flowers with his own money to beautify a street near where he lives.

Nikita Dziegielewski

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award

Nikita has been a volunteer for the Special Olympic Summer Games for years.  She has become more than an assistant to the athletes; she has become a mentor.  More recently she has included the Equestrian Special Olympic Games to her list of events. Nikita’s encouragement has given the athletes the courage to do their best.

Jennifer Green

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award

Jennifer was very helpful as she volunteered to help with the Special Olympic Games.  She was always cheering for the athletes whether it was at practice or at the games. Jennifer maintained a positive attitude, was compassionate and caring with everyone she came in contact with.

Seth Godfrey

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer 

Seth is a very special volunteer! He is a door and hall monitor, and he has become a role model to a lot of students promoting safety and good values. And even though he was born with Spina Bifida, he has not let his disability limit him. Seth’s perseverance and caring heart is a great influence on his peers and anyone who comes into contact with him.

Group Winners -

Gladden's Student Leadership Team

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer Group

Gladden’s Student Leadership Team has managed to keep themselves busy this past year. They banned together to collect bottled water, clothing and over $2,000 for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Then for Christmas, they were involved in the “Community Christmas Volunteer Project” providing the community with 5600 items of canned food, toys and monetary assistance for those less fortunate. Thanks to their motivation and services they have had a positive impact on the community.

New Hope Junior Beta Club

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer Group

The Junior Beta Club of New Hope Elementary has definitely been busy. They have set up several programs contributing to the community.  In October of last year during the Halloween season, they set up a canned food drive named “trick or eat” to collect food for the Salvation Army, whose resources were strained due to the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. The holidays did not stop; them they spent Thanksgiving and Christmas serving over 1,300 meals to the less fortunate. Then in January, working closely with Hamilton Medical Center, this group of young men & women collected over 300 teddy bears & stuffed animals for patients at the hospital. The patients were greatly impacted by the love and concern. In addition, for two days in the month of March the Junior Beta Club sold denim day stickers & hat day stickers earning over $300.00 for the March of Dimes. Their effort & dedication is an inspiration to us all.

Dalton High School - National Honor Society

2006 United Way Outstanding Youth Volunteer

These students give much of their time to the community. They provide their generous services for a total of 24 hours per student, including visits to local nursing homes, peer tutoring programs, managing events for local facilities and planning a Frisbee tournament to benefit a major charity.  Whatever they do they are all very involved, and they are sure to bring a smile to other’s faces.

Campaign Chairman's Recognition Luncheon   

(February 17, 2006)

On February 17th, United Way of Northwest Georgia hosted a Campaign Chairman's Recognition banquet at Ryman Hall.  Chairman-Mitch Sanford announced that his campaign cabinet, had not only met the $3.5 Million dollar goal that they set last August, but had exceeded it and raised $3.6 Million for our Northwest Georgia communities.  Sanford recognized the following companies for outstanding employee and corporate campaigns:

Corporate Levels of Recognition

Chairman’s Award of Excellence

These companies run both a leadership and an employee campaign and give a significant corporate gift (when applicable).  They each continue to strive to meet their potential year to year and have significant, visible CEO support for the campaign.

Dalton Utilities – With the tremendous support from Don Cope, Gary Hill and Ray Buzzard ran a campaign with almost a 75% level of employee participation.

J&J Industries – Under the leadership of Jim Jolly and Jim Bethel, Larry Vandergriff and Doug Schneller ran a campaign with 80% of the employees giving.

Shaw Industries – With support from Bob Shaw, Julian Saul and other top management, Jim Prater and his team hit a milestone of a $1 million dollar employee campaign.  Shaw exhibits a United Way culture at every employee level.

United Parcel Service – Under the leadership of Bert Davis and Kent Babb, UPS continues to be an outstanding leader in both employee and corporate giving.  UPS is a tremendous supporter of United Way across the country.

Chairman’s Award of Distinction

With visible support from the CEO, these companies ran notable campaign, because they had large dollar and/or percentage increases or have very high levels of overall employee participation.

Dalton Public Schools – Orval Porter really got behind the campaign this year and picked Palmer Griffin to lead the efforts.  The campaign grew by 72%.  We hope Palmer will stay on for a few more years in this role.  Thank you, Dr. Porter, for your leadership.  We know it takes the visible support from the CEO to run truly successful campaigns.

Marketing Alliance – Sandi Puckett took the Marketing Alliance campaign to a new level.  The overall gift of the company grew by over 25%.  Thank you to Bryan Hair for his continued leadership.

Varsity Group – Varsity Group, under the leadership of Tom Peoples and assisted by Shelia Jones, grew by a whopping 83% with over 50% of the employees giving.  Tom did everything right including a special leadership campaign with his managers where he asked them to join him with their personal gifts at the Leadership Level.

Community Investor Award -- $250,000 +

Mohawk Industries – led by Robert Webb

Shaw Industries – led by Jim Prater

Leading Light Award -- $100,000 - $249,999

J & J Industries – led by Larry Vandergriff and Doug Schneller

Champions of Hope -- $50,000 - $99,999

Brown Industries – led by Tim Holt

Hamilton Medical Center/Murray Medical Center – led by Steve Pound and Jason Hopkins at HMC and Jim Hazel and Susan Longley at Murray Medical.

Marketing Alliance Group – led by Sandi Puckett

Varsity Group – led by Tom Peeples and Sheila Jones

Whitfield County Schools – led by Paula Morrow

Pillar Award -- $25,000 - $49,999

BB&T –  Mabel Nunley

Beaulieu of America – Bernadette Martin

Dalton Utilities – Gary Hill and Ray Buzzard

Dorsett Industries – Bill Jinwright

The Dow Chemical Company --

Textile Industrial Sales – Brooks Rizer

United Parcel Service – Bert Davis and Kent Babb

Wachovia Bank – Richard Fairey and Mitch Sanford

Spirit of Caring Award

These companies ran first-time employee campaigns or gave first-time corporate gifts.

First Georgia Bank – Henry Teel and Cheryl Teasley

Lexmark – Todd White

Multicultural Festival   

(January 21,2006)

11:00-1:30 p.m. - free Culture Carnival - Games! Art Projects! Demonstrations!

And the winner is....

1st place - Jessica Hytt, who sang so beautifully.

2nd place - Devonte Harris, who sang a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.

3rd place - Freddy Narvaez, for a spectacular Break-Dance exhibition, and Ashley Bell, for her spectacular performance of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata on the piano.

To see other photos from the festival click here.