On Friday, March 6, nearly 1,000 volunteers will step into more than 700 classrooms across North Texas for one simple, powerful purpose: to read. 

Through United Way Reading Day presented by Atmos Energy, more than 13,000 pre-kindergarten and elementary students across 40 campuses and 11 school districts will experience the joy of storytelling—and the spark that reading can ignite in a child’s future. 

This year, we are especially honored to welcome the Staubach family as Reading Day Ambassadors: Jennifer Staubach Gates, Michelle Staubach Grimes, Amy Staubach Mentgen, Stephanie Staubach Phillips and Jeff Staubach—children of Roger Staubach and Marianne Staubach—whose deep commitment to early literacy reflects a legacy of leadership that spans generations. 

“Our parents taught us that giving back isn’t just something you do—it’s part of who you are,” Amy Staubach Mentgen said. “United Way has always been close to our family’s heart because it brings people together to create real, measurable impact. Early literacy, especially, changes the trajectory of a child’s life. Serving as Reading Day Ambassadors and helping lead the 40th anniversary of the Tocqueville Society is incredibly meaningful to us. It’s an opportunity to honor the legacy our father and mother built—and to help ensure that the next generation of North Texans has every opportunity to thrive.” 

A Legacy Rooted in Service 

Long before this year’s Reading Day, Roger Staubach was helping shine a light on United Way’s impact across North Texas. 

A legendary quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Staubach played 11 seasons in the NFL and became one of the most respected leaders in professional football. But in Dallas, his legacy extends far beyond the field. 

In the 1970s, he became a dedicated champion of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, appearing in memorable public service campaigns that elevated awareness and inspired generosity. In one especially powerful 1974 PSA, Staubach appeared alongside a young heart patient, underscoring United Way’s life-changing work and the profound difference community support can make. 

For his extensive volunteer leadership and civic impact, he was honored with the prestigious J. Erik Jonsson Award—a testament to his enduring belief that leadership carries responsibility. Today, that same spirit of service lives on through his family. 

Reading Is a Foundation for Opportunity 

As part of the Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, Reading Day mobilizes volunteers, corporate partners and civic leaders to promote early literacy—a cornerstone of United Way’s Aspire United 2030 goals, which focus on expanding access to education, income and health. 

Reading at grade level by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. When children reach this milestone, they are far more likely to graduate, pursue higher education and achieve economic mobility, which enables them to afford quality healthcare. 

Given the importance of early literacy, Reading Day is more than a volunteer opportunity. It is a strategic investment in the future of our region. 

This year’s theme—the future and its endless possibilities—reinforces that message. Volunteers will share books centered on dreaming big, innovation, perseverance and imagining what comes next, encouraging students to see reading as the key that unlocks opportunity. 

As Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, shared, “As we kick off our second century of impact, Reading Day highlights the powerful role literacy plays in creating opportunity. Reading at grade level by third grade is a key milestone for student success. When our community comes together to share the joy of reading, we’re helping children build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.” 

Honoring 40 Years of Tocqueville Leadership 

Reading Day 2026 also carries special meaning as we approach the 40th anniversary of the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society. 

Founded in 1986 by the late Dallas philanthropist Ruth Sharp Altshuler, the Tocqueville Society recognizes some of United Way’s most dedicated and generous investors—civic and business leaders who pair vision with action to create lasting results. 

In early 2027, we will celebrate four decades of extraordinary leadership and impact. Continuing their parents’ legacy as steadfast Tocqueville members, all five Staubach siblings and their spouses will serve as co-chairs of the 40th Anniversary Celebration—a powerful symbol of multi-generational commitment to ensuring that North Texas is the best place to live, work and raise a family—for all. 

A Family Tradition of Impact 

The Staubachs’ role as Reading Day Ambassadors beautifully connects two milestones: this year’s classroom impact and next year’s Tocqueville celebration. 

By reading to students, they are doing more than representing United Way. They are modeling what engaged philanthropy looks like: showing up, investing time and reinforcing the importance of early literacy at a moment when it matters most. 

For our Tocqueville members and broader community of supporters, the Staubach family’s commitment to United Way’s mission is a reminder that transformational change is rarely the result of a single moment. It is built through decades of leadership, generosity and shared purpose. 

As we launch into our second century of impact, we are grateful for families like the Staubachs, whose support of early literacy, volunteerism and United Way continues to strengthen the fabric of our community.