The Alexis de Tocqueville Society
Exceptional Giving. Enduring Impact.
The Alexis de Tocqueville Society is a distinguished group of local philanthropists who set the standard for leadership and generosity in our community. Membership is reserved for individuals who contribute $10,000 or more annually to the Town of Palm Beach United Way.
Founded in 1988 under the leadership of Pat and Ned Cook, the Society honors individuals committed to transforming lives in Palm Beach County—today and for generations to come. The original founding members—Ann and Nathan Appleman, Miren and Willis du Pont, Joan and Murray Goodman, Betty and Francis Guyott, Leni and Peter May, and Claudia and Nelson Peltz—laid the foundation for a legacy of meaningful change.
A Legacy of Leadership
Tocqueville Society members are the cornerstone of our mission. Their generous investments fuel our ability to improve lives, build stronger communities, and tackle the root causes of our county’s most pressing challenges.
We are proud to recognize Christian and Ann-Britt Angle and Scott and Heidi Schuster as the 2026 Tocqueville Society Chairs—continuing the tradition of inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment.
$105 Million Raised. Countless Lives Changed.
Since its inception, the Tocqueville Society has raised more than $105 million to support vital programs and services across Palm Beach County. These contributions are more than financial—they are investments in a better future for all.
Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community.
Tocqueville Society Events
36th Annual Recognition Dinner
Wednesday, April 14, 2027
6:00 PM
Invite only.
Tocqueville Society Cabinet
Co-Chairs
Christian and Ann-Britt Angle
Scott and Heidi Schuster
Cabinet
Distinguished Citizen Award
The Alexis de Tocqueville Society "Distinguished Citizen Award" was established in 1990. The award is presented annually
to an individual or couple who embody the American spirit of giving and volunteerism witnessed by Alexis de Tocqueville
as he traveled the United States in the mid 1800s.
The 2026 recipients are Susan and Bob Wright

2025 - Debra Vasilopoulos
2024 - Alan Curtis
2023 - James R. Borynack
2022 - Irene and Jim Karp
2019 - Norma and Bill Tiefel
2018 - Jana and John Scarpa
2017 - Michele Kessler
2016 - Tom Quick
2015 - Danielle Hickox Moore
2014 - Patricia L. Cook
2013 - Bud Tamarkin
2012 - Stanley Rumbough
2011 - Lesly Smith
2010 - Marjorie Fisher
2009 - Sydelle Meyer
2008 - Daniel Ponton
2007 - Ruth and Edward Hennessy
2006 - Bob and Mary Montgomery
2005 - Ruth and Carl Shapiro
2004 - Nicki and J. Ira Harris
2003 - Paul Leone
2002 - Gene Ribakoff
2001 - Anita Michaels
2000 - Christine Curtis
1999 - Mary Alice Fortin
1998 - Helen Cluett
1997 - Sidney Kohl
1996 - Edward Cook
1995 - Alex Dreyfoos
1994 - Ann Appleman
1993 - John Brogan
1992 - Nate Appleman
1991 - Frances Hufty
1990 - Doyle Rogers