United Way Kicks Off 2026 Campaign
United Way of Northwest Georgia officially kicked off its 2026 annual campaign on Thursday, September 24, at Burr Park, bringing together hundreds of community members, business leaders, volunteers, and supporters for an evening celebrating the power of a united Northwest Georgia.
During the annual Campaign Kickoff Party and 14th Annual CEO Trike Race, Campaign Co-Chairs Sara and David Pennington IV joined United Way leadership to unveil an ambitious goal for the year ahead: impacting 45,000 lives across Whitfield and Murray counties. Funds raised through the 2026 campaign will support United Way’s work in 2027, helping provide critical programs, resources, and opportunities.
With this year’s Red, White, and United theme, the evening featured friendly competition among 13 CEO Trike Race teams, live music from Shelby Mosteller, food, community fellowship, and a celebration of the companies and individuals who make United Way’s work possible.
Dalton Utilities raced to victory in the CEO Trike Race
Dalton Public Schools took home the Best Pit Crew award.
Shaw Industries snagged Best Uniform.
Dalton Utilities
Dalton Public Schools
Shaw Industries
“It takes all of us working together to win for our community,” said Campaign Co-Chair David Pennington IV. “For more than 80 years, United Way has been at the heart of Northwest Georgia, rallying neighbors, businesses, and volunteers to meet our community’s greatest needs. We are proud to carry on that legacy and excited to see so many local leaders and companies joining together to make an impact.”
The 2026 Campaign Kickoff was made possible through the generous support of local sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Engineered Floors
Finish Line Sponsors: Dalton Utilities, The Oil Well, and Shaw Industries
Supporter Sponsors: Aditya Birla Chemicals, BDL Advisors, Emerald Carpets, JBM Office Solutions, Mohawk Industries, and Regions Bank
Water Sponsors: The Carpentry and The Gallant Goat
United Way President Amanda Burt praised the leadership of Sara and David, who are returning for their second year as Campaign Co-Chairs.
“Each year, the United Way of Northwest Georgia campaign is driven by people who believe deeply in this community,” said Burt. “Sara and David have once again brought together an incredible team of campaigners and partners who are ready to share United Way’s story and inspire others to get involved. Every gift, volunteer hour, and partnership moves us closer to creating lasting change across Northwest Georgia.”
Funds raised through the 2026 campaign will stay local, supporting United Way’s work across four areas of impact: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency. Through local partnerships and community-led investments, United Way helps connect children, individuals, and families with opportunities and resources that strengthen their lives and the community as a whole.
Community volunteers help guide United Way’s investment process, reviewing local needs and helping ensure donor dollars are directed toward programs creating meaningful impact in Whitfield and Murray counties.
“We all benefit when we come together through United Way,” said Campaign Co-Chair Sara Pennington. “Every person and every organization has a role to play. Together, we can help make Whitfield and Murray counties even stronger.”
The Campaign Kickoff marks the beginning of United Way’s annual community campaign, with local companies and organizations hosting workplace campaigns and sharing opportunities for employees and community members to give, advocate, and volunteer throughout the season.
Let's collaborate, help, and inspire one another like never before. We are a powerful and inspiring community. Join us in making a difference and changing lives! Visit www.ourunitedway.org to learn more or make a gift.
2026 United Way Campaign Cabinet
Sara & David Pennington IV – Campaign Co-Chairs, Community Volunteer & Advanced Insurance Strategies • Zack Adamson | Engineered Floors • Amy Anderson | Human Resources Consulting • Hayden Brock | Bear Paper Tubes • Shane Day | Textile Rubber and Chemical Tiarco • Scot Davis | Shaw Industries • Kelley Fain | Shaw Industries • David Gregg | Bank OZK • Todd Looper | JBM Office Solutions • Zac Long | Overlooked Materials • Ben Neal | Mayo Products • Asa Peeples | Textile Management Associates • Gage Peeples | Textile Management Associates • Logan Poillucci | Shaw Industries • Veronica Prieto | Marketing Alliance Group • Patti Renz | Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty • Micah Riggle | Mohawk Industries • Cara Sandlin | McGriff Insurance Services • Pete Sigmon | Shaw Industries Retiree • Karen Townsend | Community Volunteer
2026 CEO Trike Race Teams
Aditya Birla • Carpets of Dalton • Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty • Dalton Public Schools • Dalton Utilities • Dorsett Industries • Emerald Carpets • Engineered Floors • Marketing Alliance Group • Material Handling Inc. • Mohawk Industries • Shaw Industries • Whitfield County Sheriff’s Department