The evening began with a reception to welcome our newest members. Chris Copeland, Tocqueville Society Chair, and Tyler Knowles, New Member Reception sponsor from Heckmann Financial, offered heartfelt remarks and a celebratory toast, setting the tone for a night filled with gratitude and celebration. 

As the sun set, guests moved into the Hall of Wisconsin for dinner, where Yasir Kamal from American Family Insurance and Don Bernards from Baker Tilly raised a toast to the power of philanthropy. Chris Copeland recognized the 50 new members who joined this year, celebrated those marking 10 years of giving and proudly announced that the Tocqueville Society had reached its ambitious goal of $5 million in 2024. 

Renee Moe, United Way of Dane County’s President & CEO, shared reflections on the challenges facing our community, from housing and food insecurity to the need for deeper connection and nonprofit support, and how United Way’s Plan for Community Well-Being is guiding our response.  

She also honored the enduring partnership of Dan and Patti Rashke, whose transformational 10-year gift through their Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation will cover administrative costs for individual undesignated giving. By covering these costs — an estimated total of $10 million to $15 million — this gift ensures that 100% of gifts to United Way’s Plan for Community Well-Being goes directly toward resolving the greatest needs in our community – a rare and remarkable advantage that few organizations can offer. 

Dan Rashke echoed that spirit in his remarks, challenging guests to “make the Rashkes pay” by increasing their gifts and inviting others to give. “We want to inspire giving,” he said, “and we trust United Way to convene, collaborate and drive outcomes that change lives.” 

The evening culminated in a moving tribute to Thomas A. Walker, this year’s Tocqueville Society Honoree. Tom’s decades of leadership, from his early support as a business volunteer to co-chairing the Delegation on Safe and Healthy Aging, have shaped systems that improve lives across Dane County. His ability to connect fiscal accountability, volunteerism and storytelling has helped United Way grow and thrive.  

Thank you to those of you who joined us and who continue to be part of this community. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Dane County today and for generations to come.