UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL IOWA BLOG

United Way of Central Iowa announced on Wednesday, October 4 that Jim Brannen and Maria Volante were selected as this year’s co-recipients of the prestigious Tocqueville Society Award.

United Way of Central Iowa announced on Thursday, October 6 that Tim and Jess McCulloh were selected as this year’s recipients of the prestigious Tocqueville Society Award.

The Macomber endowment, a generous gift that will continue year-after-year, will help United Way of Central Iowa foster an equitable, engaged, and empowered community now and in the future.  

Sean Vicente, managing partner of KPMG’s Des Moines office, was selected as this year’s recipient of United Way of Central Iowa’s prestigious Tocqueville Society Award. Past awardees select an individual or couple who exemplify inspirational, sustained leadership and service to the central Iowa community to receive this award, one of United Way’s highest honors.

Sean was presented with the award at the annual Tocqueville Society Celebration, sponsored by Ryan Companies, held on October 7. In addition to this recognition, the event celebrates the more than 765 central Iowa Tocqueville Society members comprising this premier philanthropic leadership group, who annually invest $10,000 or more in the 5 Elements of a Thriving Community through United Way of Central.

Photos from the Tocqueville Society Celebration can be found here.

“For me, being a part of United Way of Central Iowa is about giving back to impact our entire community, and I’m so proud of the work we have collectively been able to deliver through this organization,” said Sean. “Receiving this honor as the 2021 Tocqueville Society Award recipient is a humbling experience, and I am truly grateful to family, friends, and my peers involved in this work who make it such an enjoyable and important part of my life.”

Sean has contributed to United Way of Central Iowa at the Tocqueville Society membership level since 2003 and has been a loyal donor since 1993. He has been actively engaged with the organization, advocating for education and engagement in our community, as well as volunteering on a variety of committees and cabinets. Most recently, Vicente has made a long-term commitment as United Way of Central Iowa’s Board Chair through 2023. His leadership and contributions have led to measurable positive financial results – including increasing membership and raising $1 million over goal during his tenure as Tocqueville Society Campaign Co-Chair in 2017.

United Way of Central Iowa is fortunate to have Sean as an extension of our team. He shows his commitment to our community through the numerous leadership positions he’s held within our organization, including Education Leadership Investment Committee from 2009-2012, Finance and Audit Chair from 2013-2016, and a six-time member of our Campaign Cabinet. The results we’ve seen under his guidance are incredible and the scope of the impact he’s created is inspiring.

In addition to his duties at KPMG, Sean enjoys participating in many community, civic and professional activities outside of United Way with his wife, Jennifer, and two children, Michael and Sydney. He is past President of the Board of Bravo Greater Des Moines and currently serves as a board member at Junior Achievement of Central Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. 

In this guest blog post, Michelle Mahoney, CFP^® and co-founder of Generations Wealth Management, offers options to have control, strengthen your financial position, and help others this year.

Gerry Neugent, co-chairman of the board and former CEO of Knapp Properties, was selected as this year’s winner of the prestigious Tocqueville Society Award from United Way of Central Iowa. This award is the organization’s highest honor, given annually by past awardees to an individual or household who exemplifies inspirational, sustained leadership and service to the central Iowa community.

Sunnie Richer was born in a displaced persons camp in Germany after her parents fled war in Lithuania. At age 3, she immigrated with her family to the United States, grew up in Chicago, and eventually, moved to Des Moines to head IBM’s Iowa operation. Her career included building several successful businesses after she left IBM.  

Suku Radia has been selected to join a newly formed United Way Worldwide council focused on growing major and planned giving. The U.S. Council on Tocqueville and Million Dollar Round Table will elevate and promote major giving strategies as a key revenue driver for local United Ways across the nation.

Nora Everett has been honored with the prestigious 2018 Tocqueville Society Award. This award is United Way of Central Iowa’s highest honor, given annually to an individual or household who exemplifies inspirational and sustained leadership and service to the central Iowa community through United Way.

Lynn Graves has been honored with the 2016 Tocqueville Society Award. The award is United Way of Central Iowa's highest honor, given annually to an individual or couple who exemplify inspirational and sustained leadership and service to the central Iowa community through United Way.