LISA MARCHESONI, Senior Writer
Posted: Sunday, September 21, 2008 7:38 am

United Way President Rachel Holder doesn’t just talk about how the organization supports 47 agencies in Rutherford and Cannon counties.

She walks the walk.

Holder and her husband, Justin, are among 19 members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society who donated $10,000 to the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties.

The society is named for French historian Alexis de Tocqueville, who wrote a treatise about Americans helping their neighbors. Dr. Tommy Frist founded the Middle Tennessee society in 1981.

“To United Way, it’s extremely important,” Holder said, explaining the contributions allow United Way to have a larger impact with donations. “Nineteen people giving $10,000 each is a huge percentage of our annual campaign.”

First Bank President Chuck Lewis, the 2008 campaign chair, heads the society’s drive for the 2009 campaign with a $3 million goal.

The Team Tennessee group helps individuals contribute through the three-year Next Generation Grants. Individuals under age 45 who contribute $2,500 may become a Tocqueville society member with a $7,500 Next Generation Grant. During the second year, the individual will contribute $5,000 with a $5,000 match. The individual will contribute $7,500 the third year with a $2,500 grant. The individual contributes $10,000 the fourth year.

“It’s a great return on your investment,” Holder said, explaining the contributor invests in the community with their gift helping hundreds of people.

Holder hopes potential donors with the capacity to give and the compassion to give will participate.

Present donors range from young couples like the Holders to retired people giving back to their community.

Lewis, who is a member, “does a wonderful job in explaining his passion about United Way” and how gifts help agencies help people in the community. He hopes to enlist 10 more members in the campaign.

People who are interested in the society through their contributions are asked to call Lewis, at First Bank at 890-1111 or the United Way office at 893-7303.

About one-half of the 19 donors received grants with the other half making the full $10,000 donation.

Members will be honored during an annual reception for Middle Tennessee donors and may attend the national conference in April.

Contributions benefit United Way agencies that helped one in every four Rutherford County residents last year.

Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@mufreesboropost.com.