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s A founding members of The Toc- queville Society, Jimmy and I have had a ground floor view of the benefits that this group gives to the efforts of the River Region United Way. It is named after Alexis de Toc- queville who traveled from France to Amer- ica in 1831. He wanted to observe life in our young nation, and soon recognized our American spirit of volunteerism for the com- mon well-being of all people. The first soci- ety in this country was created in 1972, and in 1987, The Tocqueville Society of the River Region United Way was formed by individ- uals that met a leadership standard of giving. Jimmy can remember when Bucks Weil and Bobby Weil, Sr. came to him to discuss joining a charter group, and through their insight into the goals of philanthropy, it became clear that this group could greatly help the United Way and its affiliate agencies. A large debt is owed to the other charter members that initiated this society, and through the years, it has grown to over 165 members. Everyone wants their city to be a thriving place to live, but in order for that to happen, the community needs to be viewed as a whole. We, above all, must remember that we are our brother’s keeper. Matthew 22: 37-39 tells us that the first great command- ment is to love your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And the second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. Where there are needs, they must be met so that each person can have the help and advantages to not just survive, but to thrive in life. The United Way has addressed community needs for 95 years and currently supports more than 40 affiliate agencies that care for adults and children who need a hand up. C LOSE TO O UR H EARTS The two groups in particular that Jimmy and I have enjoyed working with over the years are the YMCA of Greater Montgomery and the Family Sunshine Center. Jimmy has served as a past Pres- ident and Lifetime Director of the Montgomery YMCA Metro Board, and past Chairman of the Montgomery YMCA Endow- ment Foundation. The YMCA has been instrumental in shaping and giving focus to the lives of countless boys and girls, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. It is needed now more than ever as a safe place for the development of character and leadership. The Family Sunshine Center captured my attention decades ago Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter September 2018 37 “I T IS HUMBLING TO BE ABLE TO HELP OTHERS AND TO FEEL THAT YOU CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE IN MAKING SOMEONE ELSE ’ S LIFE A LITTLE BETTER .” The Lowder Family (l to r): Emily LowderWootten, SamWootten, Anna Lowder, Harvi Sahota, Katie Lowder, Josh Lowder, Margaret Lowder and Jimmy Lowder