Tocqueville Society

"Never lose sight of the close connection between the private fortune of each and the prosperity of all."

-Alexis de Tocqueville

About The Tocqueville Society

The Tocqueville Society is named for French author, Alexis de Tocqueville, a 19th century diplomat who applauded the American desire to take a personal role in the advancement of society by combining philanthropy and service. That same American passion for philanthropy lives on in our Tocqueville Society members who collectively invest in our communities, with the United way directing the funds where they do the most good.

The Tocqueville Society recognizes an elite team of philanthropic leaders who give at least $10,000 annually to United Way to create collective change in our community, and devote their time and talent to tackle our communities’ most pressing issues.

Joining the United Way Tocqueville Society

Tocqueville members have been leading philanthropic efforts in our community for over 30 years. By joining, you will have the distinction of being part of the Virginia Peninsula community’s most trusted and influential leaders, united in building a stronger community for all.

We are looking for people with the means and desire to make a transformative impact on our community. United Way's Tocqueville Society members give at least $10,000 per year, supporting United Way's mission to create Pathways Out of Poverty for our friends and neighbors in need.

For more information or to make your Tocqueville gift, contact Steven S. Kast at (757) 229-2222.

2021/22 Tocqueville Members:

Stephen & Karen Barrs
C.A. Barrs Contractor

Gary Behm
Enterprise Holdings (retired)

Don Brown
Northwestern Mutual

William Ermatinger
Huntington Ingalls Industries & Newport News Shipbuilding

Tommy Garner
Tommy Garner Air Conditioning & Heating

Kasia Grzelkowski
VersAbility Resources

Robert Hatten
Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein

John R. Lawson II
W.M. Jordan Company

Hugh & Elizabeth McCormick
Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein

Megan Perry
Sentara Healthcare

Conway & Kay Sheild
Jones, Blechman, Woltz & Kelly, P.C.

Brian Skinner
TowneBank

Steve Spain
Spain Commercial

Charles Spencer*
*Deceased

Keith & Greta VanderVennet
Ferguson Enterprises

2020/21 Tocqueville Members:

Stephen & Karen Barrs
C.A. Barrs Contractor

Gary Behm

Christine Bradley

Jerri Dickseski
Huntington Ingalls Industries & Newport News Shipbuilding

William Ermatinger
Huntington Ingalls Industries & Newport News Shipbuilding

Stanley Gallaer
POMOCO Auto Group

Kasia Grzelkowski
VersAbility Resources

Robert Hatten
Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein

Chip Hornsby

Steve & Allyson Kast
United Way of the Virginia Peninsula

Hugh & Elizabeth McCormick
Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein

Kevin & Mindy Murphy
Ferguson Enterprises

Michael & Nancy Petters
Huntington Ingalls Industries & Newport News Shipbuilding