A Special Night And A Covert Agenda
Every fall, members of our Tocqueville Society gather to connect with each other and learn more about the work that their investments in United Way have helped to accomplish. This year was particularly special as we were honored to run a covert operation in conjunction with the Governor's office. Our task: surprise one of our members with a presentation of his induction into the Order of The Long Leaf Pine Society.
Bob Burgin, The Newest Member of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society
It was with incredible gratitude that we accepted the opportunity to host an event along with Senator Terry Van Duyn, to celebrate Bob's induction into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society by Governor Roy Cooper. Among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina is The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. It is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.
Bob's contributions to our state are extraordinary and while this list is incomplete, it reflects the depth of his commitment to the people of North Carolina, as he served on the boards of SunTrust Bank, Forest Commerial Bank, Deerfield Retirement Community, UNC-TV, UNC-TV Foundation, NC Healthy Start Foundation, Western Carolina University, Editorial Board of the Asheville Citizen-Times, NC Medical Care Commission, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, MAHEC and... the list goes on and on.
In addition, according to Bob's own estimates, he has been a donor to United Way for more than 52 years. We also know that, in addition to his financial support, he's been an integral part of our own work here in Buncombe County since 1982 when he joined our Board of Directors and served in many different capacities since, including as Board and Campaign Chair.
We thank you Bob, for all you have done and will do for our community and state.
A Night to Also Celebrate What Our Tocqueville Society has Accomplished
When the Tocqueville Society was formed in 1990 (Bob Burgin was our Board Chair at the time), we had three members. Today 87 families make up our ranks and in that time you have raised over $18 million for our community through United Way. Your investments
- connect tens of thousands of people to the resources they need - 24 hours a day through NC 2-1-1
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ensure funding for over 30 nonprofit partners and targeted investments in critical issues like mental health support within the districts served by our community school strategy
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mobilize thousands of caring people to tackle tough issues through our volunteer center - Hands On Asheville-Buncombe
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help create hubs of services to serve and support students, families and communities in the Enka, Erwin, Owen and Asheville school districts
Truly, our impact would be lessened without you by our side. Thank you.
Our Sponsor: Beverly-Hanks and Associates
Events like this are not possible without the generosity and commitment of key leaders in our community. We thank Neal and Amy Hanks and the entire team at Beverly-Hanks and Associates for their steady support of our work, as volunteers, donors and as the sponsor of our Tocqueville Society events, year-round.
We're also thrilled to announce that Beverly-Hanks and Associates will receive the Outstanding Business in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals of WNC Chapter. This award honors a business that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and motivation of others to take philanthropic leadership.
Check It Out
- NC 2-1-1 is already playing a new role in helping our community connect to resources that support their health and wellness. NCCARE360 is a partnership between NC Department of Health and Human Services and the Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation, Expound Decision Systems, United Way’s NC 2-1-1 and Unite Us. Learn more about this first of its kind tool.
- Keep your eyes open - you'll see us in a few articles in the November edition of Capital At Play.
