At this year’s Third Annual Bench & Bar “Boo-Ray” Tournament hosted by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, the North Texas legal community enjoyed a little competition for a cause, with a lively evening of networking and fun that directly supports United Way’s mission to improve access to education, income and health. 

The Bench & Bar event was held April 22 at Old Parkland and sponsored by FTI Consulting; Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; Kirkland and Ellis; Reed Smith LLP; and Sidley Austin. The annual event is United Way’s initiative to bring together the North Texas legal community and encourage their support of United Way’s programs, as well as individual membership in the United Way Tocqueville Society. 

A Little Friendly Competition, a Lot of Impact 

The Bench & Bar event was a night for the North Texas legal community to enjoy a little competition, network with fellow Tocqueville members and make a positive impact. More than 80 guests from 24 of North Texas’ largest law firms gathered for a friendly tournament of Boo-Ray (also known as Bourré), an exciting, fast-paced trick-taking card game primarily played in the Acadiana region of Louisiana.  

This year’s tournament included two special guests: Stéphanie and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville, the founders and president of the Tocqueville Foundation in France. Stéphanie and Jean–Guillaume de Tocqueville founded the Tocqueville Foundation in 2012 to keep Alexis de Tocqueville’s intellectual legacy alive. Jean–Guillaume is a distinguished attorney and former partner at Jones Day in Paris and is the direct descendent of Alexis de Tocqueville, whose observations of American civic engagement and generosity helped inspire United Way’s Tocqueville Society. 

Old Parkland was a fitting venue for a gathering of the United Way Tocqueville Society and members of the Tocqueville family in France. Built to honor the historic Parkland hospital, the prestigious office campus is filled with fine art, unique artifacts and the spirit of entrepreneurship. The space commemorates history, represents the American ideals and celebrates the possibilities created when a community comes together.  

About the Tocqueville Society

Thank you to everyone who attended this fun-filled event, and a big welcome to all our newest Tocqueville members. 

The North Texas chapter of the Tocqueville Society was founded in 1986 by the late Ruth Sharp Altshuler—a legendary community volunteer—and includes the most committed and generous supporters of United Way. 

The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society recognizes a select group of change-makers with an unsurpassed dedication to achieving lasting results in our community. Named to honor the late Ruth Sharp Altshuler, a longtime Dallas philanthropist, the Tocqueville Society comprises civic and business leaders whose vision for North Texas is matched only by their generosity. Members enjoy exclusive Tocqueville events, advocacy and volunteer opportunities, family engagement and more. 

To learn more about joining the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society, please click here. 

Community Leaders Who Are Creating Meaningful Change 

The event was packed with some of North Texas’ most dedicated change-makers. A special thanks to the co-chairs of the Tocqueville Society, Erin Nealy Cox, former U.S. attorney for the Northern District and now partner at Kirkland & Ellis; and her husband, Trey Cox, co-managing partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Co-chairs of the Bench & Bar Cabinet hail from North Texas’ corporate titans: AT&T’s General Counsel David McAtee and Toyota Motor North America’s General Counsel Sandra Phillips.  

And thank you to the evening’s all-star host committee, which included many of our region’s leading general counsels: 

• Jessica Bateman, Atmos Energy 

• Van Beckwith, Halliburton 

• Sarah Decker, McAfee 

• Ashley Duffie, Celanese 

• Scott Ewing, Trinity Industries 

• Von Hays, Comerica Bank 

• John Henrich, Cineworld Cinemas 

• Katie Kane, Texas Instruments 

• Marc Kesselman, Purdue Pharma L.P. 

• Michele Lau, McKesson 

• Grant McGee, Kimberly Clark Corporation 

• Stephanie Zapata Moore, Vistra Corp. 

• Rachel Morgan, Nexstar Media Group, Inc. 

• Adrienne Mosley, PepsiCo, Inc./Frito-Lay, Inc. 

• Bryan Stevenson, Arcosa  

Thank you all for making this year’s Boo-Ray Tournament a success and for being part of United Way’s mission to ensure all North Texans have the opportunity to thrive. 

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 

Join us 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, VIP Dinner, exclusive concert and more! Click here to sign up for updates on our Centennial Celebration.