The Alexis de Tocqueville Society, now known as The Tocqueville Society, was created by United Way of America in 1972. The Tocqueville Society of River Region United Way was formed in 1984 to deepen individual understanding of, commitment to, and support of United Way’s work: advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. This unique society recognizes people who have rendered outstanding voluntary service in their communities and contribute significant annual gifts to River Region United Way in the amount of $10,000 or more.
The Society's name was chosen because of the 19th century French diplomat Alexis de Tocqueville's admiration for the spirit of voluntary association and voluntary effort for the common good - a spirit he had observed in America and about which he wrote enthusiastically.
The Tocqueville Society of River Region United Way is grateful for the generosity of its members and recognizes their deep commitment to philanthropy and community service. If you are considering becoming a member, contact Margen Gadd at 334.323.2542
Click here to learn more about the national Tocqueville Society.
Members of The Tocqueville Society
of River Region United Way
Ordre de Fraternité
Margaret and Jimmy Lowder 
Ordre de Liberté
John Caddell
Membres de la Société
Ginny and Eddie Adair
Mary and Sam Adams
Ann and John Albritton, Jr.
Jane and Greg Allen
Jake Aronov
Owen Aronov
Nan and Ronnie Barganier
Linda and Sandy Benkwith
Sally and Young Boozer, III
Lynda and Dave Borden
Maureen and Arthur Britton
Cathy Caddell and Charlie Warnke
Dorothy Cameron
Gail* and George Clements*
Julie and Lanny Crane
Katherine and Eric Crum
Elizabeth Crump*
Ginny and Ben Cumbus
Brooks and Catherine Darby
Suzanne and Steve Davidson
Leah and Chris Dubberly
Nancy and Lee Ellis
John and Susie Fendley
Laura and Barrie Harmon, III
Camille and Inge Hill, Jr.
Joyce Hobbs *
Lucy and Bill Jackson
Mary and Keith Karst
Jeila and Knox Kershaw
James and Jane Klingler
Eleanor and Pee Wee Kohn
Pat and Jerry Kyser, Sr.
Gage and Mark LeQuire
Mary Lynne Levy*
Carol and Jamie Loeb, Jr.
Laura and Mike Luckett
Lucy and Hans Luquire
Shannon and Dax Maxwell
Heather and William McConnell
Jennifer and Forrest McConnell, III
Kathie and Mac McLeod, Jr.
Carla and Ted Meadows
Amy and Tom Methvin
Susu and Temple Millsap, III
Joan and Bill Mitchell
Emilie and Bruce Reid
Cathy and Jim Ridling
Jeanie and Bill Rue, Jr.
Carlyn and Steve Russell
Janey and Keith Sabel
Dawn and Adam Schloss
Cindy and Bob Seibels
Janet and Ned Sheffield
Beverly and Richard Stabler
Winnie and Charlie Stakely
Trey Starke, III
Brenda and Karl Stegall
Robin and Eddie Stewart
Linda and Todd Strange
Lisa and Jimmy Stubbs
Lisa and Vernon Taylor
Helen Till
Laurie Jean Weil and Tommy Wool
Lisa and Andy Weil, III
Pat and Billy Williamson, Jr.
Mary Lee and John Yelverton, III
Founding Member
* Deceased
All Tocqueville Society members are listed in the national Tocqueville Society directory and receive special recognition in our Annual Report and on our website (unless they prefer to remain anonymous). These generous contributors are also invited to join their fellow Tocqueville Society members at special donor appreciation events.
The Tocqueville Society Award of River Region United Way
The Tocqueville Society Award of River Region United Way honors both individuals and couples for their continued commitment to philanthropy and advocacy. Their efforts are recognized as both tangible in impact and significant in scope to the community as a whole. Their sustained service is worthy of recognition and vitally important in advancing the common good.
1988 Adolph "Bucks" Weil, Jr.
1989 Elizabeth “Tootsie” Emmet
1990 Tom Somerville
1991 Jim Conway
1992 Donald W. Bogie
1993 Richard H. Amberg, Jr.
1994 Johnnie R. Carr
1995 M. Taylor Dawson, Jr.
1996 Robert S. Weil, Sr.
1997 Dave G. Borden
1998 Nellie C. Weil
1999 Laurie Jean Weil
2000 Alice Reynolds
2001 James K. Lowder
2003 Winifred and Charles Stakely
2003 Beverly D. Ross
2004 Jack Galassini
2005 Jim Ridling
2006 Ray Petty
2007 Jerry C. Kyser, Sr.
2008 Mike Jenkins, IV
2011 Mary Lynne and Jim Levy
2012 Joyce and Truman Hobbs, Sr.
2014 Joyce and John Caddell
2015 Joan Byck Loeb
2016 Laura and Barrie Harmon, III
2018 Julie and Lanny Crane
2019 Linda and Todd Strange
