Women United Brunch

 

Strong Women. Strong Children. Strong Communities.

United Way of Southeast Georgia is proud to announce its inaugural Women United brunch honoring community leader and longtime United Way champion Trish Tootle as the 2026 United Way Woman of the Year. The event, chaired by Carrie Binns and Sean Gay of Bulloch Solutions, Inc., will be held Tuesday, April 21, from 11:30am to 1pm at Forest Heights Country Club in Statesboro.

Part of United Way’s WOMEN UNITED® initiative, this vibrant annual event recognizes the extraordinary accomplishments of the Woman of the Year while raising awareness and funds for a critical community need in the area of children’s well-being. This year‘s focus, selected by Tootle, is children’s dental health. In Georgia, more than one in five third-grade children have untreated dental cavities, a condition that can lead to pain, infection, missed school, and learning challenges if left untreated.

“This is not just an event. This is the chance to make a difference. If we can change the smile of one child, it will be worthwhile,” shared Tootle.

This year’s event will feature a dynamic panel of local experts discussing the children’s dental health gap. Panelists will be announced at a future date. The event will also include a delicious brunch, entertainment, a raffle, and more.

 

Tickets and Tables are SOLD OUT

Join the waitlist below to be notified if more tickets become available

 


Trish Tootle, Woman of the Year

For more than five decades, Trish Tootle has proudly called Statesboro and Bulloch County home, dedicating her career and her heart to strengthening the community she loves. With nearly 40 years in community banking, she serves as Community Relations Officer for Morris Bank, where her passion for people and service shines through her work every day.

A lifelong leader and volunteer, Trish has supported countless civic and nonprofit organizations, including Ogeechee Area Hospice, the Kiwanis Club of Statesboro, Hearts & Hands Clinic, the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Bulloch, and many others.

Her commitment to the United Way of Southeast Georgia has been especially impactful. Trish served 10 years on the Board of Directors and has contributed her time and leadership through the Allocations Committee, Tasting Statesboro the United Way, Major Firms campaign teams, and Days of Caring. Whether guiding strategy or working hands-on, she leads with compassion and a deep belief in helping families thrive.

Through decades of service, Trish has embodied the spirit of community and generosity, making her a truly deserving United Way Women of the Year honoree.

 


Meet Our Women United Committee

Trish Tootle, Woman of the Year  
Morris Bank

Carrie Binns, Co-Chair   
Bulloch Solutions

Sean Gay, Co-Chair  
Bulloch Solutions

 

Kinsley Baker 
Pioneer Design & Marketing

Hagins Ball 
Cumberland Nine Realty

Rachel Barnwell 
Development Authority of Bulloch County

Suzanne Christian 
Doeren Mayhew

Brandi Gaines 
Community Volunteer

Olympia Gaines 
City of Statesboro

Debby Lee 
Community Volunteer

Alana Milner 
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Kennedy Realty

Stephanie Neal 
Piedmont Construction

Sara Russell 
Synovus

Jessica Savage 
Morris Bank

Crystal Simpkins 
Bulloch County Schools

Harley Smith 
Georgia Southern University

Tess Stuart  
Georgia Power Company

Catherine Tootle 
Freedom Through Recovery

Lauren Whitfield 
Community Volunteer

Chris Wiggins 
Synovus

Jordan Wilburn 
Grice Connect

 

 


Panelists

Anjali Patel, DMD
Statesboro Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Anjali Patel, or “Dr. A”, is a board-certified pediatric dentist, who successfully completed a rigorous examination process to be better qualified to care for your kids! She was born and raised in Milledgeville, GA. After completing her dental education and specialty training in pediatric dentistry, Dr. A is happy to call Statesboro her home. She has truly enjoyed being part of such a close-knit and caring community. When she’s not in the dental office fighting off sugar bugs and talking about superheroes and princesses, she loves spending time with her two children, Rayan and Lara, and her husband Suketu. Dr. A enjoys being involved in the community and is a former board member for Safe Haven and The Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch County. 

Anna Benson, MD
Mama Doc Pediatrics

Dr. Anna Benson is a board certified pediatrician committed to providing the highest standard of care for children. She received a Masters in Health Administration with a focus on the delivery of quality patient care. She then completed medical school and a pediatric residency in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Benson is married with three children.

Fay Blythe, BSN, RN
Lead Nurse, Bulloch County Schools

Fay Blythe has served Bulloch County Schools for 10 years.  She has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a concentration in athletic training from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Georgia Southern University. She is a registered nurse (RN), and she initially worked in the intensive care unit at East Georgia Regional Medical Center while also working part time as a parent mentor with Bulloch County Schools. 
In 2016, she became the school nurse at Cedarwood in Statesboro before becoming the district’s lead nurse in 2021. Her work includes overseeing 16 school nurses and three special education nurses. She offers support, guidance, and consultation to the nursing staff about individual student issues, school clinic functions, and administrative matters. Originally from North Carolina, she and her husband have called Statesboro home for almost 20 years.  Her husband, Jeff, is the Senior Associate Athletic Director/CFO for Georgia Southern Athletics.  They have 2 boys, Tyler and Brady.

 


Sponsorship Packages

Presenting Sponsorship Includes:  

  • Presenting Sponsor recognition included in all event marketing
  • Recognition from the stage as Presenting Sponsor
  • Sponsor comments (up to 2 minutes) 
  • Promotional materials distribution opportunity
  • Visit by Woman of the Year with Social Media Promotion
  • Recognition in press release 
  • 2 Reserved tables with logo (16 total guests)
  • Logo placement on Event Presentation
  • Logo on website and social media
  • Logo on event program 
  • Logo on event invitation (Print and Digital)
  • Social media recognition 
  • Honor a Woman “Legacy Maker” on social media (8 Separate Posts)

Wonder Woman Sponsorship includes:

  • Promotional materials distribution opportunity 
  • Visit by Woman of the Year with Social Media Promotion 
  • Recognition in press release 
  • 1 Reserved table with logo (8 total guests)
  • Logo placement on Event Presentation 
  • Logo on website and social media 
  • CHOICE OF: Introduce Woman of the Year OR greet guests at registration
  • Logo on event program 
  • Logo on event invitation (Print and Digital) 
  •  Social media recognition 
  • Honor a Woman “Legacy Maker” on social media (5 Separate Posts)

Queen of Hearts Sponsorship includes:

  • Promotional materials distribution opportunity 
  • Recognition in press release
  • 1 Reserved table with logo (8 total guests)
  • Logo placement on Event Presentation
  • Logo on website and social media
  • Logo on event program
  • Logo on event invitation Print & Digital
  • Social media recognition 
  • Honor a Woman “Legacy Maker” on social media (4 Separate Posts)

Bridge Builder Sponsorship includes:    

  • 4 tickets in reserved section 
  • Logo placement on Event Presentation 
  • Logo on event program
  •  Logo on event invitation (Digital) 
  • Social media recognition 
  • Honor a Woman “Legacy Maker” on social media (3 separate posts)

Friends Sponsorship includes:

  • 2 tickets in reserved section
  • Logo placement on Event Presentation
  • Logo on event program
  • Social media recognition

 



Honor a Woman

Honor the remarkable women who inspire you daily. By donating $50 or more to Woman United, you can pay tribute to a woman who has made an impact in your life.  For each $50 donation, we’ll celebrate your honoree on our social media platforms throughout March and April. 

 


Why Child Well-Being?

At its core, Women United exists to address children’s welfare, and this year, we are focusing our efforts on pediatric dentistry. The funds raised at the Women United Brunch will go directly toward child well-being. For many families in our community, access to dental treatment is simply out of reach. What may begin as a small cavity can quietly grow into constant pain, infection, and serious health complications.

When tooth decay goes untreated, it affects far more than a smile. Children in pain struggle to eat, they struggle to speak clearly, and they struggle to focus and learn in the classroom. Dental pain can keep a child from raising their hand in class, laughing freely at recess, joining a sports team, or participating in youth activities. These seemingly ordinary moments are the building blocks of confidence, friendships, and self-worth. When children are hurting, they often withdraw — missing out on the very experiences that shape healthy development and strong futures. 

Event Details

Event Date
-

3772 Country Club Road
Statesboro, GA 30458
United States

912-489-8475