United Way Celebrates the Alexis de Tocqueville Society
Co-chairs Dorothy Ables, chief administrative officer for Spectra Energy and Bobby Tudor, chairman and CEO of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., LLC, welcomed President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush and nearly 500 members of United Way of Greater Houston’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society to a March 1 dinner in their honor. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston provided a stunning backdrop for the annual event recognizing the leadership and generosity of this important group of donors. Major Donors (members who contribute $25,000 or more annually) were treated to a special reception with President and Mrs. Bush in the museum’s Arts of India Gallery. Following the reception, Ables took the stage to thank guests for their steadfast commitment to United Way. “Tocqueville members continue to come together every year in order to make a profound impact on our community,” she said. “This has been a tough year for many and you—the leadership of our city—have stepped up in a big way.” She also highlighted some the Alexis de Tocqueville Society’s accomplishments this year:
Ables recognized the Society’s Visionaries and Benefactors, an extraordinary group of donors who personally contribute $100,000 or more annually. Two families among them continue to raise the bar in support of United Way, making personal gifts of $200,000 or more and comprising the ADT Society’s Visionaries.
Tudor joined Ables in thanking the Society members for their outstanding support. “Houstonians share a legacy, a can-do sprit known the world over for open-hearted generosity and how well we care for each other…especially in hard times. I am amazed by the generosity of the people that fill this room tonight. Through good times and bad, Tocqueville members continue to provide for the Houston community,” Tudor told guests as he revealed the results to date of the 2009-10 ADT campaign. As of March 1, the ADT Society’s results totaled more than $12.2 million, an all-time high. With several weeks to go, Tudor expressed his confidence that the ADT Society will surpass their 2009-10 goal of $12.3 million and raise a record amount for United Way this year. Tudor also thanked Tom Ryan, 2009-10 United Way Community Campaign Chair and president and CEO of Service Corporation International, for his leadership and efforts to grow the ADT Society. President and Mrs. Bush shared with guests their reasons for supporting United Way and lauded the impact United Way’s ADT Society has on the Greater Houston area. “As I look back on that broad tapestry of a full and challenging life, I see more clearly than ever the importance of serving others,” President Bush said. “Thank you for everything you do for United Way and for our wonderful community. Each of us has a responsibility to help leave the world a little better place, and you can take to heart that by being here and generously supporting de Tocqueville, you are doing your part.” United Way of Greater Houston President and CEO Anna M. Babin thanked Tudor and Ables for their outstanding leadership and efforts to grow the ADT Society. Babin also recognized the Society members as the foundation of United Way’s annual campaign. “The last two years have really brought about a great deal of change,” Babin told guests. “One thing that has not changed, however, is your commitment to our great community – especially now when our community needs you most.” We salute the members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society. You make it possible for United Way of Greater Houston to ignite hope, lend a hand and take a stand for our community. Thank you for doing something about it. For more information about the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, contact Diane Likeness at 713-685-2319. |
