It’s a big job: leading United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA’s) Tocqueville Society. As the single-fastest growing segment of our annual campaign, Tocqueville’s significance to the overall impact that United Way makes on our community is greater than ever. So chairing the effort to sustain and grow the membership, and increase donations, is a Herculean task of vital importance.
UWCA’s 2022 Tocqueville Society Chair Russell Vandevelde is clearly up to the challenge. Service-minded, committed to moving our community forward and well-versed in United Way’s mission, he is more than qualified. As a long-time member of the society and someone who has served in various roles at UWCA through the years, becoming Tocqueville Chair is a natural next step. Not only can Russell provide insight to new and veteran volunteers, but he is passionate about the immense impact of giving back to help others.
“I’ve always felt that giving back to our community is important,” said Russell. “Whether it is your time, talent or financial resources, all benefit from a more engaged volunteer community.”
Tocqueville Society members are philanthropic leaders and volunteer champions in Central Alabama who devote their time, talent and funds to create long-lasting change by tackling our most serious challenges.
Last year, the Tocqueville Society celebrated its 35th anniversary. As the organization moves ahead, leaders such as Russell ensure that it will remain successful at addressing the community’s most pressing needs. Birmingham and the entire six-county UWCA region have consistently proven to be willing to step up when called upon for support. That’s one reason our Tocqueville Society membership numbers rank among the top five in the nation.
“Birmingham is a generous community, and few people decline to help when asked,” said Russell.
Monetary donations undeniably push progress forward; but no matter how you choose to help, anyone can make a difference. By joining a network of service-minded individuals, members inspire a better life for everyone.
“Raise your hand and offer to give back,” said Russell. “Money is always needed, and so too are volunteers. Time is a valuable commodity, and the gift of service leads to positive change.”
The 2022 Tocqueville Society Cabinet
Russell Vandevelde IV, Tocqueville Chair – Executive Benefits Specialists
Jim Dixon, Increase Co-Chair – Arlington Properties
Curtis Liles, Increase Co-Chair – Liles & Rushin
Josh Reidinger, Increase Co-Chair – Warren Averett
Andrew Nix, New Member Co-Chair – Regions Financial Corporation
Michael Pounds, New Member Co-Chair – Executive Benefits Specialists
Stephen Davis, Retention Chair – Lakeview Risk Partners
Don’t Miss Out–Medical Properties Trust Challenge
In case you missed it, Medical Properties Trust has committed up to $1,000,000 as a challenge to current Tocqueville Society members to increase giving to UWCA! For current Tocqueville Society members, any increase in your contribution will release the same amount from the Medical Properties Trust Challenge Fund.
For example, if your current gift of $10,000 increases to $12,500, that also releases an additional $2,500 from the fund to the community. For more information, contact tocquevillesociety@uwca.org.
To learn more about the United Way of Central Alabama Tocqueville Society, including more ways to get involved, visit the website here.