"When an American asks for the cooperation of his fellow citizens, it is seldom refused; and I have often seen it afforded spontaneously, and with great goodwill."
Alexis de Tocqueville wrote this quote about what he saw when he visited the United States of America in his 1835 book Democracy in America. De Tocqueville believed that by achieving the elements of democracy, all people would pursue freedom, knowledge, and prosperity. The Tocqueville Society of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County earned its name to honor and carry on the tradition of neighbor helping neighbor.
After postponing our 2024 Award Celebration due to Helene, our community came together this week to celebrate two incredible 2024 Community Service Award recipients.
Pat and Junius Grimes
In 2002, the Alexis de Tocqueville Community Service Award was created to honor the most generous leaders in our community who embody this spirit of volunteerism. Two sisters, Barbara Blomberg and Marilyn Patton, and Marilyn’s husband, Buddy, were selected as the first recipients, setting a powerful example that inspires future awardees.
So it is no great surprise that Marilyn and Buddy’s daughter, Pat Grimes, and her husband, Junius, would also embody the best of philanthropy: giving generously and inspiring others to follow their example. Pat served on United Way’s board of directors for 6 years and has long supported a workplace campaign at the family’s business, Harry’s on The Hill. She has championed local schools from K-12 through UNCA, with support for social workers and athletic programs (and everything in between). They support efforts with their name when needed and quietly contribute to smaller campaigns regularly. “Salt of the Earth,” humble, generous, kind, caring, quiet, and impactful were just a few of the ways community members described this incredible couple.
Amy and Neal Hanks
Neal and Amy embody the values of love, generosity, and service, and through their leadership, western North Carolina has become a more compassionate place. Their influence inspires others to lead lives full of purpose, faith, and generosity.
Their long-standing dedication to the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County speaks volumes. Amy has been a board member since 2023 and currently serves as the Tocqueville Society Co-Chair. She has also contributed as a Campaign Volunteer and as part of the Centennial Steering Committee. Together, Neal and Amy have brought their business expertise to the nonprofits they support, enriching the United Way with both innovative ideas and genuine care.
Neal served as United Way Board Chair from 2015 to 2017 and led the organization’s campaign efforts. In addition to his work with United Way, he has served on numerous boards, including those of Eblen Charities, the Daniel Boone Council of Boy Scouts of America, First Citizens Bank, A-B Tech Foundation, and the Mission Health Foundation. Neal and Amy’s contributions have been recognized with the WNC Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Outstanding Business in Philanthropy Award.
Their colleagues and employees agree that the Allen Tate community owes much of its success to Neal and Amy’s unwavering commitment to giving, without hesitation. They are role models for all, especially for future generations, teaching that true community leadership is about action—not just words—and stepping up whenever there’s a need.
Other Event Recognitions
In addition to the awards, the evening allowed us to recognize four long-time donors and Tocqueville Society members we lost in 2024. Our community mourns the loss of Mickey Goodman, Tom Leslie, Bobbie Eblen, and Jerry Sternberg. Jerry co-founded our Tocqueville Society and both he and Bobbie Eblen were former Community Service Awardees themselves. It goes without saying that each of these people made important contributions to United Way and our whole community.
Appreciation
- Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks for their steady support and their sponsorship of Tocqueville Society events, year-round
- Scott Buchanan and the WNC Bridge Foundation for hosting
- Our awards were handblown by the skilled craftspeople of Lexington Glassworks
- Juca Camera, Music BFA student at UNC Asheville, for entertaining us and to Fiore-ously Delicious for the fantastic food
About The Tocqueville Society In Buncombe County
The impact of the Tocqueville Society has been a tremendous driver toward United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County advancing their work in the community. This giving society, founded in 1990 by Charlie and Eleanor Owen, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. George D. Renfro, & Jerry Sternberg, harnesses the giving power and expertise of local leaders. Tocqueville Society members pledge an annual gift of $10,000 or more and often serve in other leadership positions within the organization.
Previous Awardees
- 2002 - Buddy and Marilyn Patton & Barbara Blomberg
- 2003 - Janice and Joe Brumit
- 2004 - Jerry Sternberg
- 2005 - Pam and Jim Turner
- 2006 - Heather and Bill Lee
- 2007 - Charlie and Eleanor Owen
- 2008 - John and Diane Teeter
- 2009 - Charlie and Cary Owen
- 2011 - Jim and Robin Stickney
- 2013 - Dot Hamill & Marla and Joel Adams
- 2014 - Barbara and George Groome
- 2015 - Barbra and Keith Love
- 2016 - Ann and Mike Young
- 2018 - David Bailey and Sherie Ryan Bailey
- 2019 - Taylor and Gary Foss
- 2020 - Tracy and Scott Buchanan
- 2021 - Jennie Eblen and Bobbie Eblen
- 2022 - Suzanne and David DeFerie
- 2023 - Bob and Glenda Burgin
- 2024 - Pat and Junius Grimes & Amy and Neal Hanks
