Mark your calendars, North Texas—something special is happening at Fairmont Dallas on February 3, 2027. 

We’re celebrating 40 years of the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society, and we’re doing it in true Big D style: an afternoon that blends Texas spirit with French flair, honoring the vision of Alexis de Tocqueville and the legacy of the late Dallas philanthropist who lent the society her name. 

And we’re bringing in a legend to help us celebrate. Grammy®-nominated country superstar Martina McBride will take the stage for a special performance and conversation, as the Tocqueville Society caps off four decades of generosity that have shaped North Texas for generations to come. 

The Tocqueville Society Leads Change in North Texas 

What started in 1986 with 100 founding members has grown into the largest Tocqueville Society in the entire United Way network. Today, Tocqueville members invest $10,000 or more each year toward education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity—right here at home. 

This year’s luncheon honors the families and companies whose leadership built that legacy. The event is chaired by the children of Marianne and Roger Staubach (Tocqueville Society co-chair in 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.  

Serving as co-chairs of Tocqueville’s monumental 40th Anniversary Year are Jill and Rod Burns, Laura and Jason Downing, Mike Hsu and Kaori Mitsuhashi, and Cristy and David McAtee, with Regen Horchow and Ken Hersh, Erin Nealy Cox and Trey Cox as honorary chairs. 

“For 40 years, the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society has brought together extraordinary people who believe in investing in our community,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are thrilled to welcome Martina McBride to be part of such a meaningful day as we honor the generosity, leadership and enduring impact that will strengthen our community for generations to come.” 

We’re Celebrating with a Country Music Superstar 

With over 23 million albums sold, 20 Top 10 hits, and six No. 1 singles, Martina McBride is one of the most celebrated voices in country music—a four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and passionate advocate for causes close to her heart, including her own Team Music Is Love charity initiative. 

Be Part of the Milestone Anniversary 

This is more than a performance—it’s a celebration of what unity can build over 40 years, and a look ahead to what’s next.  

Want to be there? Learn more about the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society and how to join at unitedwaydallas.org/give/tocqueville.