When I agreed to serve as the Tocqueville Society Chairman, I did so because I deeply believe in the impact our United Way makes in this community.  I have great respect for the commitment and loyalty of our membership in the Tocqueville Society.  Thanks to our dedicated Cabinet, I am pleased to report that we welcomed 19 new members, whose names you will find listed under Orders of Recognition on page 11. This brings the Society's total membership to over 160. Collectively, this generous membership has pledged over $2.5 million, a critical base of support for our community. On behalf of the United Way of South Hampton Roads and all 68 health and human service agencies they serve, I thank you.

Together, we are tackling the issues that matter most in our community and creating lasting changes that improve lives by focusing on three areas of advancement:

Income: Promoting Financial Stability and Independence

• Financial Stability Partnership is an initiative aimed at helping individuals and families attain and preserve assets, become more financially stable, and achieve long-term economic independence.

 Health:  Improving the Health of Children and Adults

• Access Partnership is a community collaboration that addresses important health issues in Hampton Roads. Successes of this partnership include expanding the Oral Health Coalition and managing care programs to the Ambulatory Care Center at Norfolk General and Park Place Medical Center.

Education:  Helping Children and Youth Achieve Their Potential

• Bornlearning^TM is an innovative public engagement campaign that helps parents, grandparents, and caregivers explore ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities.

I am convinced that there are many more successful members of our community that can join our effort.  As Chair I am very optimistic that working with the Cabinet (listed on page 3) and the talented United Way staff we will build the membership of the Tocqueville Society and the donations that support so many families in our community.  Please help our efforts by discussing the United Way with potential members and forward names to me for follow-up.  Referrals from you are the best vehicle we have to build our membership. As a group our goal is to bring our membership to over 200 members in the next couple of years.

It is my privilege to work with you and to help the United Way improve the lives of those in need in South Hampton Roads.   Alexis de Tocqueville wrote, "Never lose sight of the close connection between the private fortune of each and the prosperity of all." Thank you again for your continued generous support of the United Way of South Hampton Roads Tocqueville Society.

2010 Chair, Tocqueville Society