Get ready to feel the excitement as we gear up for the 2024 United Way campaign. Leading the charge are the energetic and passionate mother-daughter team of Karen Townsend and Bradley Austin. With their infectious enthusiasm I am confident this year’s campaign will be a resounding success, touching the lives of many in Whitfield and Murray counties.
Bradley is a graduate of Georgia Southern University. She is a senior recruiter in commercial sales and marketing with Shaw Industries and an active member of the Young Leaders Society. She served for two years as the society’s Steering Committee co-chair. She lives in Dalton with her husband Blake and dog Lilly. In her free time she enjoys running, traveling, spending time at the beach and being with friends and family.
Karen, a Clemson graduate, is a passionate community volunteer, child advocate and tutor. She is also a co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council, an active board member and an Alexis De Tocqueville Society member. She lives in Dalton with her husband Brad and enjoys running, volunteering, baking and tutoring. She also enjoys spending time traveling with friends and family. Isle of Palms is her happy place.
Last year we made a difference in nearly 65,000 lives. Bradley and Karen are determined to continue that legacy, following in the inspiring footsteps of Kevin Wright from Marketing Alliance Group.
“Kevin set the bar high but my mom and I are ready to “Go for the Goal’ and kick off the 2024 campaign with a bang,” Bradley said.
At United Way we believe in the power of people and connections. Life can be challenging but United Way is focusing on advancing health and education to strengthen livelihoods and local resilience. We connect people to possibilities in Whitfield and Murray counties. Every donation you make stays local, creating a tangible impact: feeding the hungry, providing safe spaces for children and helping families meet their basic needs.
Karen’s passion shines through when she discusses her involvement: “I love what United Way does in our local community. United Way displays how amazing Whitfield and Murray counties’ communities are when we come together and take care of our own. I have a lot of love and appreciation for this community. My motto is ‘Be the Change!’”
Bradley said, “I grew up watching my mom volunteer in our community, so when I moved back to Dalton in 2018 I knew I wanted to find a way to get involved and give back. Through United Way I can get involved, give back, meet new people and make a difference. I am so thankful to be a part of the United Way family.”
Join us as we kick off the season of giving at our Campaign Kickoff and CEO Trike Race on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burr Park. Bradley, Karen, their Campaign Cabinet and the United Way Board of Directors will reveal the 2024 campaign goal, followed by the fun-filled CEO Trike Race. Enjoy dinner in the park with live music from Doc Martens Flannel Review — bring your camping chairs and join the party. Dinner tickets are $10 and are available at the event or in advance on our website at www.ourunitedway.org.
Let’s give a big thank you to our Campaign Co-Chairs Bradley Austin and Karen Townsend as we embark on another fantastic year of mobilizing donors, advocates and volunteers to work toward a future where every person in every community can thrive.
There are many ways to support the United Way — united, we do more by giving financially, volunteering and taking action. You can make a difference. Contact us at amy.ross@ourunitedway.org to schedule an Impact Tour and see firsthand how United Way and our 26 local Community Partners grantees and programs are making a real difference.
Amanda Burt is the president of the United Way of Northwest Georgia.