COCONUT GROVE, FLA. (WSVN) – Donations from Tocqueville Society members make up nearly 20% of United Way of Greater Miami’s annual revenue. On Wednesday, some of these generous donors were honored for their service and dedication to the community.
Members of the Tocqueville Society gathered in Coconut Grove to honor individuals who have made a meaningful impact on Miami through their philanthropy and generosity to United Way Miami.
“These are some of United Way’s most generous donors, but most importantly, we believe they have made the greatest contributions to shaping the fabric of Miami-Dade County,” said Symeria Hudson, CEO of United Way Miami.
Andy Ansin, CEO of Sunbeam Television, is the co-chair of this year’s Tocqueville Society’s grand reception, honoring those who have followed his family’s example of community service.
“So I’m the third generation involved with United Way and I’m proud to continue that tradition,” Ansin said.
This year’s Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy was presented to Robert and Melly Sanchez.
Before their 34-year marriage, the couple met through community service.
“Well, the motivation started with Melly. Melly was a social worker for Big Brothers, Big Sisters, which, as you know, is a United Way agency, and she was also a volunteer, so I decided that if I wanted to impress this lady, I might as well get into charity work,” Robert said.
The power couple became dedicated to their mission over the years. Now they are participating in the Tocqueville Society’s $1 million roundtable, in recognition of its longstanding record of generous donations.
Robert is CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ryder Systems, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Miami.
“United Way is just a great organization to know that when you invest in the United Way, they will deploy your dollars in the areas that the community needs most,” Robert said.
“Your dollars are helping your neighbors, that’s how you look at it,” Melly said.
Two other individuals were also honored during Wednesday’s festivities.
Marcel Laniado received the next-generation philanthropist award for his service to United Way Miami now and in the future.
The late Don Soffer, a South Florida legend and godfather of Aventura, was also honored posthumously. Soffer was recognized for his efforts to transform Florida’s swampland into what residents now know as a hub for entertainment, luxury living and recreation.
Soffer’s family accepted the award in his honor.
“And that the Tocqueville Society has been extremely important in helping us keep these programs going, but also helping us create new programs to ensure that everyone has an opportunity in our own community,” Hudson said.
It’s a community close to the Ansin family’s hearts, a community that has supported United Way’s mission for decades and ensures its work continues for generations to come.
“Through the Ansin Foundation, the Channel 7 Foundation and the Channel 18 Foundation, we are able to help the organization financially, which is all very important. We are fortunate to be in the position we are in. We recognize that and try to help others,” Ansin said.
Whether through financial support or volunteer work, each of the winners hopes that more people in the community will be inspired to give back as they have done.
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