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 Kimberly and Scott Goodwin and Josephine and Jason Kalisman as the 2025 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 Cabinet
Co-Chairs
Scott and Kimberly Goodwin
Jason and Josephine Kalisman
Cabinet
Howard and Judy Bernick
Tony and Vanessa Beyer
Cynthia Boardman
Jason and Kristin Brauth
Mike and Julie Connors
Peter and Julie Cummings
Alan and Christine Curtis
Ed and Susie Elson
Ken Endelson
Matthew and Elizabeth Feuer
Mark and Mary Freitas
David and Suzanne Frisbie
George and Sandy Garfunkel
Bruce and Lori Gendelman
Ben and Elizabeth Gordon
Nicki Harris
Arthur and Janie Indursky
Bob and Ellen Jaffe
Tom and Ann Johnson
Robert and Sheila Josephberg
Howard and Michele Kessler
Paulette Koch
Sidney and Dorothy Kohl
Paul and Roberta Kozloff
Jeff and Nancy Lane
John and Betty Levin
Jack and Frances Levy
Arthur and Vicki Loring
Bill and Phyllis Mack
Jeff and Nicola Marcus
Marty and Susan McGuinn
Brian and Pam McIver
Bill Meyer
Danielle Moore
Dan Ponton
Tom Quick
Sandy and Laing Rogers
Lyn Ross
Richard and Barbara Rothschild
Matt and Jill Schecter
Mindy Schneider
Scott and Heidi Schuster
Richard and Ginny Simmons
Richard and Cornie Thornburgh
Bill and Norma Tiefel
Bruce and Robbi Toll
Debra Vasilopoulos
Leo and Kathryn Vecellio
Bob and Susan Wright
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 2025 recipient is 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
