COMMUNITY LEADERS GUILD

What is the Community Leaders Guild?

It takes exceptional individuals to pledge their commitment, leadership and caring to solve our community's most pressing human problems. The Community Leaders Guild recognizes the select group of outstanding leaders willing to make a personal investment in the future of central Illinois.

Community Leaders Guild members contribute $1,000.00 or more annually to United Way. Their generosity means we can reach out to others in our community who need assistance. We would like to thank and recognize these individuals who step forward to lead the way to a better community.

Leaders Guild Levels

Alexis de Tocqueville Society $10,000 and above
In May of 1831 a young Frenchman, Alexis de Tocqueville, landed in Rhode Island. His mission was to study America's penal system. Over the next nine months, Tocqueville traveled nearly 7,000 miles, observing the great experiment called democracy. He discovered boundless selflessness, cooperation and volunteerism. In his subsequent book "Democracy In America," he wrote: "When an American asks for the cooperation of his fellow citizens, it is seldom refused; and I have often seen it afforded spontaneously with great good will." It is in this spirit that the United Way of America formed the Alexis de Tocqueville Society. The Society is part of an elite national program whose members are recognized as America's leading philanthropists.

Susan Lawrence Dana Membership $7,500 - $9,999
Springfield heiress Susan Dana was a great contributor to our community. She gave generously to schools, orphanages, libraries and other important community needs.

Vachel Lindsay Membership $5,000 - $7,499
An internationally admired poet, Vachel Lindsay literally spent his entire life trying to improve his hometown.

Abraham Lincoln Membership $2,500 - $4,999
Lincoln's Contributions to our country are well documented. He lived, practiced law and raised a family in Springfield, the city he loved most.

Elijah Iles Membership $1,750 - $2,499
Elijah Iles was a Springfield founder, entrepreneur and our first developer. He was a constant contributor to the welfare of the community.

John and Mary Kelly Membership $1,000 - $1,749
The Kelly family was among the earliest settlers of the Springfield area. They were credited with building the first cabin within official Springfield.