On Tuesday, September 15, we welcomed members of the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society to the Ritz-Carlton Dallas for a special Fall Luncheon. 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Tocqueville Society, founded by Ruth Sharp Altshuler four decades ago to bring together philanthropists and change-makers across North Texas to invest in the future of our communities. The Dallas chapter has grown into the largest Tocqueville Society in the country, a milestone that speaks to the extraordinary generosity and leadership of our region. 

The luncheon featured a fireside conversation with Tim Spence, chairman, CEO and president of Fifth Third Bank, and Curt Farmer, vice chairman of Fifth Third Bank; a special tribute honoring Jennifer Sampson’s tenure as the McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas; and the announcement of a historic investment from The Stephens Greth Foundation.  

Supporting Communities, Expanding Opportunity 

Tocqueville Society co-chair David McAtee opened the event by reflecting on the legacy of service that has shaped the organization and the generations of leaders who have carried that commitment forward. Connecting Ruth Sharp Altshuler’s vision for lasting change to the society’s continued impact, McAtee emphasized the importance of leadership rooted in service and recognized former co-chairs Erin Nealy Cox and Trey Cox for helping to grow our chapter into the largest Tocqueville Society in the country.  

In their fireside chat, Spence and Farmer discussed Fifth Third Bank’s plans to invest nearly $1 billion in the Texas economy over the next five years, including opening 150 new financial centers by 2029.  

The conversation—moderated by Jim Burke and titled “Investing in Communities, Investing in Opportunity”—underscored a theme that ran through the entire afternoon: that lasting community change happens when business leaders choose to invest not just in growth, but in people.  

A Historic Investment in the Future of North Texas 

Following the fireside chat, United Way recognized the historic $15.5 million gift from The Stephens Greth Foundation—the largest philanthropic gift in our organization’s history.  

Ashlee and Chris Kleinert joined Jim Burke in reflecting on the legacy behind the foundation and paying tribute to the late Autry C. Stephens. Ashlee and Chris spoke about Stephens’ deep belief in creating opportunity and investing in the potential of others—values shared by United Way and carried forward through the foundation’s extraordinary commitment to North Texas.  

Celebrating 25 Years of Leadership 

The luncheon concluded in celebration of Jennifer Sampson, who is stepping down after 25 remarkable years at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to become the inaugural CEO of The Stephens Greth Foundation. In a tribute video and heartfelt remarks, Sampson reflected on a career defined not by campaigns or numbers, but by people, donors who became leaders, volunteers who became advocates and companies that became true partners in changing lives. 

“I have watched people come through these doors wanting to help and discover a cause, a community and sometimes lifelong friendships,” Jennifer told the room. “I have watched donors become leaders, volunteers become advocates and companies become true partners in changing lives. United Way of Metropolitan Dallas will always be one of the great loves of my life, and I could not be prouder of the organization we have built together. It is stronger than ever, with an incredible team, an extraordinary board, a deeply committed community and an ambitious vision for what comes next. I will remain an investor in its mission, a volunteer for the organization and a cheerleader for the people who carry it forward. I will always Live United.” 

She closed by challenging Tocqueville members to carry the legacy forward, echoing the question she said Ruth Sharp Altshuler would always ask: What’s next? 

Bonjour Y’all! Join Us for a Western-Provincial Afternoon  

As the Tocqueville Society marks its 40th anniversary year, we’re looking ahead to the group’s next chapter of impact, including our milestone event of the year, the 40th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon on February 3, 2027, at the Fairmont Dallas.  

This unforgettable celebration will be chaired by the children of Marianne and Roger Staubach (Tocqueville co-chair, 1995-1996) and their spouses: Jennifer and John Gates, Michelle and John Grimes, Amy and Jamie Mentgen, Stephanie and Todd Phillips, and Jenny and Jeff Staubach.   

The afternoon will feature a special performance and conversation at the keys by one of Roger’s all-time favorite artists, country music star Martina McBride. 

Between a historic gift, a bold new corporate partnership and a beloved leader’s next chapter, the September luncheon was a reminder of what makes the Tocqueville Society special: Leaders who have chosen for decades to invest back in their community.  

To learn more about the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society, support the 40th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon or save your seat, visit our event webpage.