
Tocqueville Society
Mission: Bringing together Kansas City-area philanthropic leaders, providing broad and sustainable change for its residents, organizations and programs.



Who We Are
Founded in 1984, the Tocqueville Society is an opportunity for passionate individuals to become more deeply involved in the organization’s mission. United Way affiliates around the world have active chapters and UWGKC boasts more than 300 local members. It was brought to Kansas City by Adele and Donald J. Hall Sr., along with Gordon and Nancy Beaham more than 30 years ago.
Why Tocqueville Society
The name Tocqueville Society was chosen because of Alexis de Tocqueville’s admiration for the spirit of voluntary association and effort toward its advancement, published in two volumes during the 1830s and 1840s. Those writing are still true today. The Kansas City community has long been a shining example of tremendous kindness.
Tocqueville Society members benefit from the network of likeminded, charitable people in Kansas City who:
- Engage with other business and philanthropic leaders in the community
- Champion UWGKC through advocacy, promotions and volunteerism
- Enjoy invitations to exclusive local events and the Tocqueville United Speakers Series hosted by United Way Worldwide



Tocqueville Society Cabinet
Chair | Andrea Bernica, Black & Veatch
Chair Elect | Jerry Karlin, Deloitte
Tim Burkhalter, Burns & McDonnell
Derek Locke, Berkshire Partners
Sandy Price, Evergy
Scott Smith, HNTB (ret)
Bill White, Sprint (ret)
Join Us
Tocqueville Society membership begins with an annual gift of $10,000 or greater or enrollment in the Step Up program, which provides full membership benefits in exchange for a commitment (minimum of $5000 in year 1, $7,500 in year 2, and $10,000 in year 3 and beyond).
For more information, contact Dionne Pleasant, Director of Philanthropic Engagement at Dionne Pleasant or (816) 559-4715.