On Tuesday, April 21, community members gathered at Forest Heights Country Club for the inaugural Women United Brunch hosted by United Way of Southeast Georgia, an event rooted in connection, purpose, and a shared commitment to children’s well-being.
The brunch brought together women and community leaders under the theme “Strong Women. Strong Children. Strong Communities,” while honoring longtime advocate Trish Tootle as the 2026 Woman of the Year.
Beyond celebration, the event centered on a pressing issue: children’s dental health, a critical yet often overlooked part of a child’s overall development.
For attendees like Jennifer Wise, the motivation to attend was clear.
“I was honored to be invited [...] it’s just such an incredible cause to come together with women in this community and support what the United Way is doing in Bulloch County,” she shared.
As both a professional and a mother, Wise emphasized the collective responsibility to care for children, adding, “Children truly are the reason that we do so many things in life [...] giving them the best healthy start that we can is so incredibly important.”
A highlight of the luncheon was a panel discussion mediated by Harley Smith featuring local experts Anna Benson, MD, of Mama Doc Pediatrics; Fay Blythe, BSN, RN, of Bulloch County Schools; and Anjali Patel, DMD, of Statesboro Pediatric Dentistry.
Together, they offered insight into the challenges families face when it comes to children’s health. Benson spoke candidly about the difficult decisions many parents must make, asking, “Do I get my child’s painful cavity fixed or do I buy groceries for the week?”
Her words underscored the broader realities tied to ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, a movement also discussed by Dr. Kristina Patterson at the event.
The event concluded with a heartfelt moment as Trish Tootle was officially recognized, a fitting end to a gathering that blended inspiration with action. When asked why the community should support children's health, Tootle shared, "Because they are our future! And, because Jesus said we are to serve the least of these and love our neighbor as our self."
In its inaugural year, the event raised an impressive $33,400, which will serve as an immediate investment into programs supporting local children and families. Just as impactful, the brunch helped grow a network of leaders, advocates, and volunteers committed to strengthening the community.
To learn more about Women United and United Way of Southeast Georgia, click here.