The 2026 Tocqueville Society Membership Dinner on October 6 at Four Winds Farm was one for the record books.

With our highest attendance since 2014, this year’s gathering was filled with excitement, meaningful connections and a shared commitment to strengthening Dane County. The energy was palpable from the moment guests arrived. In fact, by the time everyone was seated, we were happily bumping elbows, a reflection of just how much our Tocqueville community has grown.

The evening began with a reception honoring new members, generously sponsored by Heckmann Financial. As the sun set, guests gathered on the patio to reconnect with friends, welcome new faces and enjoy the beautiful fall evening.

During the reception, Tocqueville Society Chair Jessica Schwantes recognized the 40 individuals and families who joined the Tocqueville Society in the past year. Their generosity and leadership are helping United Way of Dane County expand its impact and invest in solutions that help our neighbors thrive. Reaching 40 new members was a tremendous accomplishment, and we’re setting our sights on achieving that milestone again this year.

Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on what makes the Tocqueville Society so special: a community of people who don’t simply give, but who inspire others to get involved. As several speakers noted, nearly every new member joins because someone in the room started a conversation, extended an invitation or shared why philanthropy matters to them.

The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the 2026 Tocqueville Society Award to Sheila and Kevin Conroy, whose nearly two decades of leadership, generosity and community service have left a lasting mark on Dane County. In remarks from United Way President & CEO Renee Moe, guests heard stories of the Conroys’ commitment to education, economic opportunity, volunteerism and community-wide solutions. From helping launch emergency relief efforts at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to championing long-term investments that strengthen local systems of support, Sheila and Kevin exemplify the values at the heart of the Tocqueville Society.

Accepting the award, Kevin shared personal reflections on his family’s commitment to service, the role United Way has played in shaping his own philanthropic journey and the responsibility we all share to create opportunity for future generations. His remarks served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins when people are willing to step forward, engage deeply and work together.

The evening also celebrated the broader impact of the Tocqueville community. Members reflected on lessons learned through this year’s events, recognized volunteers and longtime members and recommitted themselves to ambitious goals for the year ahead, including raising more than $6 million and welcoming another 40 new Tocqueville members.

Most of all, the dinner was a celebration of what happens when generous, thoughtful people come together around a shared purpose. The record-setting turnout, the warm welcome for new members and the enthusiastic response to the evening’s call to action all underscored the momentum building within the Tocqueville Society.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so memorable. Together, we are continuing a tradition of philanthropy, leadership and community impact that grows stronger every year.