C ARY & C H AR L I E
O W EN
2009 Tocqueville Society Community Service Award Recipients
“T
hey are always the first in line (to help with) anything in this community that is necessary for its people.” – Janice Brumit These college sweethearts made their mark on our community, inspiring us not only to give of ourselves to make someone else’s life better, but to also encourage our families and friends to take that action with us. “Charlie and Cary are especially community-minded,” said Adelaide Daniels Key. “They love Asheville and care how things go with everybody in Asheville.” Their support of many organizations involved in education, income, health, the arts and the environment, as well as United Way, is legendary. Cary broke the glass ceiling through her public service as a County Commissioner and School Board member, Mission Hospitals Board Chair and other community involvement. “She is extremely accomplished, a fabulous mother, an active volunteer, a public office holder, a brilliant woman - she really did it all,” said daughter-in-law Eleanor Owen. Charlie, a world recordholding fisher, has been called one of the best advocates a project ever had, providing passionate opinions, vocal support and mobilization of others around the cause. United Way of America began presenting the Alexis de Tocqueville award in 1973. This award is presented annually to an individual or family who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, creativity, leadership, inspiration, sustained service, and a broad scope of impact on their community and country. Past winners of this prestigious award include Presidents Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter, Les Wexner, Bob Hope and Ambassadors Walter Annenberg and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter. Locally, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County joined this effort in 2002, honoring individuals and families who demonstrate outstanding commitment to volunteerism and philanthropy in our community. Previous recipients of this award include: Buddy and Marilyn Patton and Barbara Blomberg, Joe and Janice Brumit, Jerry Sternberg, Pam and Jim Turner, Bill and Heather Lee, Charlie and Eleanor Owen and John and Diane Teeter. It is with deep admiration and sincere gratitude that we honor you, Cary and Charlie, with the 2009 Tocqueville Society Community Service Award.
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