Tocqueville Society
Founded in 1984, the United Way Tocqueville Society is a generous group of trailblazing Waymakers™ that make broad, sustainable investments in our community through volunteerism, advocacy, planned giving and endowment programs. Tocqueville Society was brought to Kansas City by Adele and Donald J. Hall Sr., along with Gordon and Nancy Beaham, and has grown to currently have more than 600 members.
Local Tocqueville Society members support the UWGKC vision of a thriving metro region where all people – regardless of identity, income, or background – have the opportunity and access to live a life of purpose, passion, and prosperity. As community problem solvers, members partner to invest and mobilize financial resources, connect with people and organizations tackling community challenges, and encourage innovative solutions that advance the mission.

Tocqueville Society members aim to:
- Change lives through philanthropic leadership focused on the building blocks for a better life: a quality education that leads to a stable job; income that can support a family through retirement, and good health
- Communicate the vital role of personal philanthropic action in creating long-lasting changes.
- Expand high-level personal giving and United Way Major and Planned Giving programs.
- Strengthen local United Way leadership by building a network of like-minded leaders across the globe.
Why join Tocqueville Society?
- Invitations for you and your partner to exclusive quarterly local events including:
- Annual Impact Dinner & Drinks to learn about how different agencies are addressing a specific community concern
- Education and mission-aligned discussions and tours
- Networking and social events featuring local and United Way leaders at exciting venues
- Other exclusive benefits:
- Regular communications to stay up-to-date on UW happenings including the opportunity to hear directly from the UWGKC President and CEO
- United Way apparel or merchandise
- VIP experience at United Way events throughout the year, including but not limited to the annual campaign fall kickoff and spring impact activities
- Access to leaders and leadership opportunities
How to join Tocqueville Society:
There are two ways to join Tocqueville Society:
- Click here to join with an annual gift of $10,000 or greater.
- Participate in our 3-Year Step Up program and receive full membership benefits in the first year:
- Year 1: $5,000
- Year 2: $7,500
- Year 3: $10,000
Come join the network! For more information, contact us.

Tocqueville Society Cabinet Members:
Members of the Cabinet share a common bond – a desire to serve their community. Through active participation and stewardship, Cabinet members serve as advocates for the Tocqueville Society and for the organizations, programs and activities served and supported by the United Way. Cabinet members share their time, talent, treasure, ties and testimony through leadership and involvement in meetings, marketing, and events that raise the profile of the Tocqueville Society both with donors and in the community.
- Andrea Bernica, Black & Veatch – CHAIR
- Tim Burkhalter, Burns & McDonnell
- Pam Oberdiek, Youth Volunteer Corps
- Erin Pishny, Deloitte
- Bill White, Retired
Upcoming Tocqueville Society Events:










