On April 25, some of the most dedicated supporters of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas came together for an extraordinary occasion: a special Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society Luncheon, sponsored by HN Capital at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. More than just a gathering of generous hearts, the event marked a powerful milestone in our history, as longtime supporters Carol and Kevin March announced a remarkable $5 million investment in United Way and our mission to improve access to education, income and health across North Texas. 

Held during our year-long Centennial anniversary, the luncheon served as both a celebration and a call to action—an inspiring reminder of what is possible when visionary leaders invest in the future of their community. The Tocqueville Society supports some of United Way of Dallas’ most mission-critical initiatives, furthering our next century of work, and we are grateful to each and every member for their dedication to this community. 

A Celebration of Generosity and Vision 

The event featured a fireside chat with Sonal Shah, CEO of the Texas Tribune, and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville, co-founder and president of the Tocqueville Foundation in France and a direct descendant of Alexis de Tocqueville. Their discussion reflected on the enduring value of civic engagement and the power of philanthropy—principles that have shaped United Way’s Tocqueville Society and continue to guide our work today. 

The centerpiece of the afternoon was the announcement of the Marches’ $5 million gift—a transformative investment that underscores their deep commitment to United Way’s mission and our region’s future. This gift is among the largest in our organization’s history and echoes the community impact of some of our most dedicated supporters, including prominent local philanthropists such as Margot Perot, Karen and Tom Falk, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Diane and Hal Brierley, Lyda Hill and the family of Caroline Rose Hunt, each of whom have made significant contributions to fuel our work. The Marches’ gift comes at a pivotal time, as we celebrate a century of impact and prepare for the next 100 years of change. 

“The incredible vision and unwavering generosity of Kevin and Carol March have been instrumental in advancing our work,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Their extraordinary gift will play a crucial role in funding the vital programs and initiatives that are transforming our community, creating meaningful opportunities for all. We are deeply grateful for their support and the lasting impact it will have.” 

The event was a full-circle moment for Tocqueville Society members. During last year’s Tocqueville trip to Paris, when members met with the Tocqueville family and learned the history of Alexis de Tocqueville’s interest in American democracy, Kevin March served as United Way’s corporate ambassador. At this event and others held throughout the week, it was an honor and an inspiration to welcome Jean-Guillaume and Stéphanie de Tocqueville to North Texas. 

Click here to view photos from this special event.  

A Legacy of Leadership 

For Kevin and Carol March, philanthropy is personal. Kevin’s early service as a firefighter instilled in him a strong sense of civic duty, while both he and Carol have been deeply involved with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas for years.  

Kevin has served on the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Board of Directors and led as treasurer and chair of the investment committee for the United Way Foundation. Carol, meanwhile, co-founded the Women of Tocqueville Fund for Women and Children, championing causes that support North Texas families. 

Their leadership doesn’t stop there. The Marches also established the March Tocqueville Fellows Initiative, which is designed to engage and mentor emerging philanthropic leaders. During the luncheon, attendees heard from JW Washington, a March Tocqueville Fellow and a standout at Toyota North America, who is helping lead the next generation of Tocqueville Society members. He shared inspiring personal reflections on Carol’s and Kevin’s incredible impact and leadership. 

The Marches’ latest gift continues that legacy by supporting programs that will motivate the next generation to lead with purpose, generosity and impact. 

Fueling the Next Century of Impact 

Carol and Kevin believe in neighbors supporting neighbors, treating others with respect and always looking out for the good of our community, much like our United Way mission. Their gift represents their inherent nature of leading by example, inspiring others to give more as we celebrate their generosity to our organization and mission.  

Carol and Kevin’s historic $5 million investment will directly support United Way’s most critical initiatives—driving measurable, generational progress in education, income and health. In 2024 alone, United Way programs impacted more than 1.7 million North Texans, or roughly 20% of the population in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. With this generous support, we are poised to expand our impact even further. 

“We have always believed that strong communities are built by those who invest in them,” Kevin said. “United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has the vision, leadership, and expertise to turn every dollar into lasting impact. We see this as a strategic and meaningful way to help shape a stronger future for North Texas.”  

“Our hope is that this gift will inspire others—particularly the next generation of civic leaders—to engage, invest, and work together toward a brighter future for North Texas,” Carol said. 

As we advance toward our Aspire United 2030 goals, this investment will accelerate efforts to expand access to quality education, create pathways to economic mobility and increase access to healthcare—ensuring every North Texan has the opportunity to thrive. 

A Centennial Year to Remember 

As we celebrate our 100th year, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is honoring a century of mobilizing community leaders, corporations and nonprofits to come together to improve lives. Our Centennial is more than a milestone—it’s a launching pad for the future. The year-long anniversary includes a dynamic line-up of volunteer and community events—including our Centennial Celebration, presented by PepsiCo—that will not only honor our rich legacy but also shine a spotlight on the bold, innovative ways we’re shaping the future of our region. 

With visionary partners like the Marches by our side, we are building a stronger North Texas, where everyone has access to opportunity and the tools to succeed. This moment is a tribute to the power of collective impact—and a bold step toward the next chapter of United Way’s story. 

What’s Next?  

The Tocqueville Society has several exciting and impactful events on the horizon, as the entire Live United movement celebrates United Way’s Centennial anniversary with special events, speakers and volunteer opportunities.   

Join the World’s Largest Corporate Running Event   

Connect with your colleagues, support employee wellbeing and network with your local business community on Thursday, May 8 at the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, a fun-filled event that will benefit United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Learn more and sign up.   

Volunteer to Support Food Security   

As part of our Aspire United 2030 Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, we’re holding a Summer Meals Kickoff on Thursday, June 12 in West Dallas. We invite you to volunteer for one of our most impactful events of the season, which will welcome local families to the Summer Meals program with free food provided by Dallas ISD Food and Nutrition Services and snow cones, crafts, inflatables and music. Click here to volunteer.  

Save the Date for Our Centennial Celebration and Concert
Presented by PepsiCo 

Join us Saturday, November 15 at the historic Cotton Bowl in Fair Park for the unforgettable culmination of our yearlong Centennial Anniversary celebration. Stay tuned for details on the Taste United Food Fest, Patron Dinner, exclusive concert and more!  Sign Up for Updates