A Celebration of Philanthropy and 100 Years of Impact in Miami
View the local media coverage from WSVN 7 News here.
As United Way Miami continues celebrating 100 years of service to the community, nearly 200 guests gathered at Casadonna Miami for the annual 2025 Tocqueville Society Grand Reception, an evening dedicated to honoring those whose generosity continues to strengthen Miami.
Chaired by Jayne Abess and Andy Ansin, the event carried forward the legacy of the late Sue Miller and the late Ed Ansin, who, alongside Jayne, founded the Miami Tocqueville Society in 1991. They introduced the Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy to recognize individuals whose extraordinary generosity, leadership, and commitment to the community have made a lasting impact.
Alongside this prestigious honor, the event also celebrated the Next-Gen Philanthropist Award and marked the first time United Way Miami presented the Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award.
This year’s event recognized:
United Way Miami Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy: Jo and John Sumberg
Jo and John Sumberg have been dedicated supporters of United Way Miami since 1997, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to its mission. John has served as a Board member and Trustee since 2010 and currently sits on the Executive Committee. In recognition of their generosity, United Way honored them as Donors Next Door at the 20th Annual Donor Next Door Luncheon in 2017. That same year, they became members of United Way’s Million Dollar Roundtable.
As funding partners of the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education (CFE), Jo and John played a pivotal role in advancing high-quality early learning opportunities for children in Miami. Jo traveled to Washington, D.C., three times and to Tallahassee once with fellow Women Leaders on behalf of United Way to lobby for early education policies and investments at the state and federal levels. In 2016, Jo and John co-chaired the VeritageMiami Spring Edition alongside Lisa and Victor Mendelson and Lea and Craig Rasile. With their guidance, they helped raise more than $300,000 to benefit the CFE. They also made a planned gift to the United Way’s Endowment, ensuring their impact continued for generations to come.
John has strengthened United Way Miami through leadership roles, including serving on the Finance and Administration Committee, Investment Committee, Campaign Legal Division Co-Chair, Campaign Cabinet Alexis de Tocqueville Society Co-Chair and Endowment Fund Committee. He was a member of the 2017 CEO Search Committee and helped establish the United Way Associate Legal Mingle, an event that brought together 300 associates, in-house counsel and judges. Under his leadership, Bilzin Sumberg has championed the annual United Way Community Campaign, fostering a culture of philanthropy within the firm.
Beyond United Way, John has built a distinguished career in commercial real estate as Chairman and founding member of Bilzin Sumberg. His civic engagement extends to serving on many local non-profit boards including Lotus House Women’s Shelter, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the University of Miami’s School of Architecture. Jo, a licensed Broker-Agent since 1987, worked full-time as a Residential Realtor for 25 years before retiring in 2012. A Miami native, John and his family remain deeply committed to strengthening the future of the community he has always called home. To learn more about Jo and John Sumberg, watch their story here courtesy of our partner WSVN 7 News.
United Way Miami Next-Gen Philanthropist Award: Michael Gold
This award recognizes an emerging leader who inspires the next generation through active engagement and leadership. Michael Gold has been a supporter of United Way Miami for 12 years and has been actively involved in Young Leaders since 2014, playing a key role in engaging and empowering others to support United Way’s mission. He previously served on the Young Leaders Executive Committee, and since 2023, he has led Raymond James’ United Way Community Campaign as the firm’s Employee Campaign Manager, rallying colleagues to contribute to the organization’s impact.
Michael’s commitment to service is a family affair—his wife, Susana, is also actively involved with United Way as a member of Women United. As Managing Director & Private Wealth Advisor at Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James, he applies his strategic expertise to both his professional endeavors and community involvement. A South Florida native, his service on boards such as United Way Miami, the History Miami Museum, the Coral Gables Pension Advisory Board and the Health Foundation of South Florida underscores his deep dedication to civic engagement and strengthening the community. To learn more about Michael Gold, watch his story here courtesy of our partner WSVN 7 News.
United Way Miami Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award: Jack Lowell
A devoted leader and supporter of United Way Miami for 36 years, Jack Lowell is the inaugural recipient of the Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award, which honors a lifetime of generosity that continues to shape our community. A former Board Member and Trustee of United Way, he and his wife, Natasha, were also funding partners of the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, underscoring their commitment to early childhood education and community investment.
Jack was a visionary in Miami’s commercial real estate sector, having held key roles at prominent firms such as Colliers and Codina Bush Klein Realty. His civic involvement extended far beyond his profession—he served on the boards of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Beacon Council and many others. A believer in the power of community, Jack dedicated himself to making a lasting impact through hands-on involvement, instilling this belief in his family and all those around him. His legacy of love, leadership and dedication to family and community will continue to inspire future generations. To learn more about Jack Lowell, watch his story here courtesy of our partner WSVN 7 News.
Sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels and City National Bank, the event celebrated Miami’s philanthropic leaders, highlighting their profound contributions and enduring impact.
Learn more about the Tocqueville Society and its transformative impact here.
