The Rotary Club of Birmingham recently featured leaders from United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) at a program focused on the life-changing impact that United Way has on our community and how generosity creates meaningful, lasting change.
Among those representing United Way was Jeff Stone, President of the Rotary Club and a longtime member of UWCA’s Tocqueville Society. For more than 40 years, Jeff has been deeply involved with United Way, serving as Campaign Chair in 2019 and Tocqueville Chair in 2015. He and his wife Linda Stone were also awarded the 2024 Tocqueville Society Award.
Jeff’s ongoing support of United Way is rooted in the concept and promise of collective giving.
“The most effective way to impact the community,” he said, “is to join with other United Way donors to leave a bigger legacy than anything you could do by yourself.”
Building on that message, Jay Brandrup, 2023 Tocqueville Chair and current Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee, introduced the panel featuring 2025 Campaign Chair Trey Clegg, President and CEO Drew Langloh and Senior Vice President of Community Impact Katrina Watson. Together, they shared how United Way connects generosity to measurable results — meeting urgent needs today while creating long-term solutions for tomorrow.
Transforming Communities Across Central Alabama
Results of United Way’s work are clear in communities throughout UWCA’s six-county service area. In Fairfield, for example, United Way’s inCommunity model has transformed schools into neighborhood hubs where families can access resources ranging from food and medical care to counseling and mental health services.
Since the partnership began, behavioral incidents in the school district have dropped by 32% and there has been a 20% increase in college and career readiness among students.
Reflecting on this work, Dr. Regina Thompson, Superintendent of Fairfield City Schools, said, “My partnership with United Way and other agencies has allowed us, as a district, to say, ‘the needs of these children are being met,’ because we focus on them holistically.”
That same spirit of collaboration drives progress in every corner of Central Alabama. Through programs including Meals on Wheels, Priority Veteran and Success By 6, tens of thousands of people each year gain access to food, housing, education and financial stability — foundations that make stronger communities possible.
A Continuous Process for Continuous Improvement
Looking ahead, 2025 Campaign Chair Trey Clegg is inviting the community to reflect on Why We Unite. He describes United Way as a lighthouse, steady and bright, guiding people through challenging times toward hope and opportunity. That light continues to shine because of everyone who gives, serves and believes in what’s possible when people come together to strengthen Central Alabama. Tocqueville members set an example for us all.
With nearly 1,000 members, UWCA leads the nation as the largest Tocqueville Society in America. Members’ collective generosity, with annual gifts of $10,000 or more, provides the foundation for United Way’s impact, ensuring stability and progress for generations to come. Together, United Way and its donors are building a stronger Central Alabama and a brighter future for everyone who calls it home.
To learn more about United Way’s Tocqueville Society, click here.