United Way of RI Recognizes Tocqueville Society Members at 30th Anniversary
Thursday, May 14, 2015
United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Tocqueville Society being established in Rhode Island on May 7th at the Providence Public Library with over 100 local philanthropic leaders. The event recognized three decades of generous and growing philanthropy and was chaired by Tom and Mary Gilbane.
Tocqueville Society members represent leadership donors who contribute $10,000 or more annually and are critically important to UWRI’s work to strengthen Rhode Island communities. Collectively, their generosity represents 30 percent of UWRI’s annual campaign with gifts that total more than $3.9 million. With a $500,000 goal set for new Tocqueville Society donations, members contributed $611,759. United Way Rhode Island’s fundraising expenses are paid for through the Royal Little Trust, so all donations directly serve people and programs; every dollar goes right back out into the community.
“We are honored to have played a role in bringing the Tocqueville Society to Rhode Island, but more importantly, we are so grateful for the generosity of others that has helped the Society become what it is today,” said Tom Gilbane. “In Rhode Island, we are a state small enough that our results are tangible and we can make a real difference, and that’s been our goal; the needs here are as great as they are anywhere.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Thinking about the outpouring of generosity that our Tocqueville Society members have demonstrated over these past 30 years, I can’t help but be in awe of their selflessness to improve the lives of our neighbors in need,” said Anthony Maione, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “When we all work together, when we all make contributions, we make our communities better; and that gives me tremendous hope for what we can make happen here in Rhode Island.”
About the Tocqueville Society
The Tocqueville Society was established to honor the work of Alexis de Tocqueville, a political thinker and historian whose work focused on creating social equality in communities through volunteerism and advancing the greater good. Founded nationally in 1984 by Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. to deepen the understanding, commitment and support of United Way’s most generous donors, the Tocqueville Society was brought to Rhode Island shortly after by Tom and Mary Gilbane, who remain involved today.
Since the late 1980s, UWRI has annually paid tribute to an individual or family who embodies the spirit of the Tocqueville Society, presenting them with the Tocqueville Society Award, its highest honor. This year, UWRI recognized all members of the RI Tocqueville Society for their contributions over the past three decades.
About United Way Rhode Island
United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) has been working to improve the quality of life in Rhode Island for more than 80 years. Together with its partners, UWRI is changing lives and strengthening our communities by investing in proven programs that work over the short-term, and are scalable over the long-term. For more information, click here.
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