United Way Tocqueville Society

Making a lasting impact in Miami-Dade’s future.

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Join Miami’s Most Influential Philanthropic Leaders in Transforming Our Community

Tocqueville Society members represent Miami-Dade’s most influential leaders, committed to advancing civic, business and philanthropic initiatives to improve lives in our community.

2026 Tocqueville Society Grand Reception Honorees

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Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy: Melly and Robert E. Sanchez

This award recognizes the cumulative philanthropic efforts of an individual, couple or family who are committed to personal philanthropy and volunteerism, whose direct financial support has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles in the local, national and international community.

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Next-Gen Philanthropist Award: Marcel G. Laniado

This award recognizes a philanthropist who gives of their time, talent or treasure to make positive change happen for those less fortunate in our South Florida communities. This individual demonstrates outstanding commitment to Miami-Dade County through direct financial support, development of charitable programs or volunteering.

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Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award: Don Soffer

This award posthumously recognizes individuals for their exceptional contributions to Miami-Dade County community through volunteerism, philanthropy, civic engagement and overall community support.

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Learn more about Joining the Tocqueville Society

What is the Tocqueville Society

In 1991, United Way of Miami-Dade established The Tocqueville Society to honor those individuals who demonstrated an extraordinary sense of philanthropy with remarkably high levels of giving.

Named after French historian Alexis de Tocqueville who recognized, celebrated and immortalized the true spirit of volunteerism that lives in America’s heart, our Tocqueville Society brings together a distinguished group of individuals who share a keen devotion to our community and to its future generations.

Turning philanthropy into action
By becoming a Tocqueville Society member, you’re affirming your leadership and deep level of commitment to transforming lives and bringing lasting change to our neighbors in need. As a member, you’ll join Miami’s most influential business, civic and philanthropic leaders – many of whom are La Table Ronde de un Million de Dollars and La Table Ronde de Cinq Millions de Dollars members. Membership in the Tocqueville Society is granted to individuals who contribute at least $10,000 annually to United Way Miami. Combined, the society’s investment amounts to nearly 40% of United Way Miami’s annual fund raising campaign. With lower overhead costs than the State average, we do more, with less to improve people’s lives and solve some of the biggest challenges facing our community.

Why United Way

This is our Miami-Dade. We’ve been here all along.​

At United Way Miami, we partner with many other local organizations to make a positive impact. And we couldn’t do it without the time, talent and unwavering dedication of our generous donors, giving communities and volunteers.

In addition to investing in 101 programs at 62 impact partner agencies and grantees, United Way Miami addresses local issues by supporting an additional 17 initiatives to help families and individuals throughout Miami-Dade. From providing high-quality early education to our youngest residents, to helping families file their taxes and create a budget, to supporting our veterans as they transition to civilian life and to ensuring our most vulnerable citizens enjoy their golden years in dignity – together we build a stronger Miami. In doing so, we have expanded our pillars to four each encompassing the needs of our community and the impact we make.

Member Benefits

As a Tocqueville Society member, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of community and social events and connect with other business, community and philanthropic leaders. Bill Gates, Teresa Heinz and Dr. Thomas Frist are examples of our national members.

Among the many benefits members enjoy:

  • Exclusive invitations to annual events, such as the Annual Grand Reception appreciation event at a private home
  • Personal and professional networking opportunities like our Tocqueville Tuesday monthly series. Past speakers have included Carlos Migoya, president and CEO of Jackson Health System; José Mas, CEO of MasTec; and renowned chef Michelle Bernstein
  • Admittance to prestigious social and volunteer events
  • In-depth briefings and first-hand looks at community challenges and solutions
  • One-on-one orientation with relationship manager
  • One-on-one consultation on personal, philanthropic goals
  • Tocqueville Society participation for significant other
  • Opportunity to participate in Women of Tocqueville
  • Young Leaders participation for Tocqueville Society members under 40
  • Preferred event seating
  • Special access to meet and greets
  • Personal listing in The Red Book, annual Leadership and Endowment Circle Members Registry
  • Tocqueville Society pin

Giving Levels

A contribution is the simplest and easiest way for you to help meet the needs of our community’s children and families and guarantees the financial strength of United Way Miami. In return, you will receive a chartable tax deduction that will provide you with savings on your tax return.

Giving levels
Membres de la Société: $10,000 – $24,999
Ordre de Liberté: $25,000 – $49,999
Ordre d’Egalité: $50,000 – $74,999
Ordre de Fraternité: $75,000 – $99,999
La Société Nationale: $100,000 – $249,999
Ordre d’Indépendance: $250,000 – $499,999
Ordre de Connaissance: $500,000 – $749,999
Ordre de Prospérité: $750,000 – $999,999
La Table Ronde de un Million de Dollars: $1 million plus
La Table Ronde de Cinq Millions de Dollars: $5 million

Ready to Join Tocqueville Society?

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MEET THE SHAKERS BEHIND THE SCENES

Heidy D. Tocqueville Co chair HS

Heidy M. Duarte – Co-Chair

Kaufman Rossin

Rush Norton HS

Rush Norton – Co-Chair

Merrill Lynch Private Wealth Management

Join a Leading Group of Philanthropists Dedicated to Transforming Our Community

The Tocqueville Society celebrates and engages individuals who generously donate $10,000 or more each year. Make a meaningful impact by becoming part of a group of influential leaders dedicated to creating lasting change in Miami.

Learn more about joining this distinguished group by contacting tocqueville@unitedwaymiami.org.