A Story About a Story
A Thanksgiving Moment to Celebrate Community:
A Story about a Story
As we celebrate Thanksgiving—a day of gratitude, gathering, and the stories that connect us—it feels like the perfect moment to share a story about a story.
Meet Pat Mitchell
Pat Mitchell is a friend to all and spreads joy and good energy everywhere she goes—four-legged friends included. What began as a quiet, year-long personal project grew into a broader mission powered by teamwork, generosity, and an unwavering belief in kids and their futures.
The Heart Behind The Smallest Tallest Dog in Town
Her book, The Smallest Tallest Dog in Town, was never just about a sweet story with a cute, little dog. It was about reminding every reader—especially children—that
|| “You are perfect just the way you are.”
Setting a Goal—and Surpassing It Together
As always, just as with anything she does, Pat was supported by her biggest fan and life partner, her husband, Dirk Mitchell. Through every idea, pivot, and milestone, Dirk has stood by her side, encouraging her vision and cheering on the heart behind it.
For The Smallest Tallest Dog in Town, Pat set out to sell:
300 toy-and-book bundles at $35 each, raising $10,500 for Path United.
Joining her in reaching this goal— and, as Pat says, beside her every step of the way — was Meredith Pierce. Meredith’s love and dedication to the kids at Path United is unmatched. She supported and help champion the project— and really enjoyed driving around delivering books and toys like Santa Claus, ensuring every child feels seen and supported.
Showing Up—In Person
Driving around, seeing people in-person, ended up being the key to ensuring 100% of the book proceeds went to support Path United. Shipping a book and toy cost more than $14 per bundle, so Pat pivoted. She didn’t rely on online sales or flashy marketing. She showed up in person. She shared her mission face-to-face. She let her passion do the talking.
What happened next is exactly the kind of thing we love to celebrate this time of year.
A Community Rises
Alongside Meredith, partners like Carol Ann Daniel, Kim Waters, Gainesville United Methodist Church, and countless friends and supporters helped carry the mission forward.
Together, they didn’t just meet the goal—
they surpassed it, raising more than $12,100 and selling out every single book and toy.
Book by book.
Toy by toy.
Conversation by conversation.
Impacting the Future—One Child at a Time
In just a over a week, before going on Thanksgiving Break, more than 400 third graders were touched by this project. They were reminded that if they dream it, they can do it—and that the future of America is bright because they believe in themselves.
What This Story Teaches Us This Thanksgiving
✨ Community matters.
✨ Teamwork matters.
✨ Vision matters.
✨ And when we gather around one another—whether as family, friends, or people who care—extraordinary things happen.
Pat’s journey isn’t a story about selling a book.
It’s a story about a story—one fueled by determination, compassion, and the belief that even the smallest spark (or a little dog) can grow into something tall, strong, and full of hope.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the North Georgia Community Foundation.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this story about our fundholder and friend, Pat Mitchell — and to celebrate the incredible community we all love. As you gather around your tables this season, we hope you’ll take a moment to share this story, reflect on the power of community, and create new memories and stories of your own.