The Tocqueville Society

Ann Ray, Shelia and Nick Christofalus at Tocqueville Society gathering

The Tocqueville Society: Setting the Standard

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s local chapter of The Tocqueville Society was created in 1990 to recognize individuals and couples who invest $10,000 or more each year. Since that time, members of The Tocqueville Society have generously given nearly $17 million to change the lives of their neighbors in need. For 2017, our Tocqueville donors surpassed the $1.3 million mark, representing 25% of the total dollars raised in the community campaign.

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Want more information? Drop Beth Benzing an email or give us a call at (828) 239-1043.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Alexis de Tocqueville, a French diplomat, applauded the unique spirit of volunteerism in American society. His observations formed the 1835 work, “Democracy in America”, a detailed study of American society, culture, and politics. Perhaps his most important observation was that Americans help one another in times of need. He recognized, applauded and immortalized the volunteer spirit that lives in the heart of Americans.

The Tocqueville Society Community Service Award

In 1973, United Way of America began honoring those who demonstrated extraordinary commitment, leadership and service and made a broad impact on their community and/or the nation. Previous winners of the national award include Ambassador Walter Annenberg, Presidents Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, Senator and Mrs. John Glenn, and Bob Hope. In 2002, we began the tradition locally, with Buddy and Marilyn Patton and Barbara Blomberg being honored with our first Tocqueville Society Community Service Award.
 

Dan Leroy along with Taylor and Gary Foss
Dan Leroy with the 2019 Tocqueville Community Service Awardees, Taylor and Gary Foss

2019 Awardees

This year we honored Taylor and Gary Foss with this award. In just 8 short years, the Foss’s commitment to United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County has been remarkable. Between creating a local chapter of Women United, raising over $2.5MM alongside two other Tocqueville chairs, and generously increasing their annual gift by almost 100% since 2011, the Foss's commitment to our community is palpable. Learn more about their history of involvement and recognition as the 2019 recipients of the Tocqueville Society Community Service Award.

 

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