United Way Worldwide recognizes Michael K. Hayde with Tocqueville Society Award

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last night in New Orleans at the Tocqueville/Million Dollar Roundtable Summit, United Way Worldwide presented The 2013 United Way Tocqueville Society Award, its highest national award for an individual volunteer, to Michael K. Hayde. Hayde is Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board at Western National Group, a multi-family housing developer.

"Mike Hayde's outstanding leadership, generosity and vision have been an inspiration around the world," said Brian Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide. "From his partnership with Orange County United Way in California to helping start a United Way in France, Mike demonstrates that giving your time, influence and resources can make communities a better place for all of us."

Hayde is a member of the $10 Million Roundtable of the United Way Tocqueville Society and is a leader not just in California with Orange County United Way, but also around the world in France and Romania. Hayde was directly responsible for the formation of the United Way Tocqueville in Paris, France, where he now serves as Chairman of the Board. His commitment to strengthening and expanding United Way throughout Europe has continued in his role as a member of the European Regional Council and helping develop the Tocqueville Society of Romania as well as United Way of the United Kingdom. In addition to his support of United Way, Hayde is one of the founders and supporters of the "Drug Use Is Life Abuse" program.  He is also involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Orange County Sheriff's Advisory Council and the Medical Center Hospital at the University of California, Irvine. See Hayde's biography.

About The United Way Tocqueville Award
The United Way Tocqueville Award, which has been presented annually since 1973, recognizes exceptional and sustained volunteer and philanthropic leadership. The award is named after Alexis de Tocqueville, a French scholar who visited North America in 1830 and documented in his treatise, Democracy in America, 1835 and 1840, the spirit of voluntary association and effort for the common good that he observed in these communities. The Tocqueville Award has been accepted by former U.S. presidents Ronald Regan and Jimmy Carter and other perhaps less well-known leaders whose philanthropic actions have improved the lives of thousands of people. The criteria include exceptional and sustained giving, advocating and volunteering with United Way locally, nationally and/or globally; a deep commitment to human services; as well as creative leadership and volunteer service that inspire others to serve. The United Way Tocqueville Society was formed in 1984 to deepen individual understanding of, commitment to, and support for United Way's work in advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all.

About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.UnitedWay.org. 

About Orange County United Way
Since 1924, Orange County United Way has worked to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Orange County to strengthen our community. Through a 10-year community-wide action plan to move the needle and make a real difference in the lives of Orange County youth and families, United Way is inviting business and individuals to FACE 2024 (Fund, Advocate, Collaborate and Educate). To learn more, or to join our movement, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.

Media contact:
Amanda Ponzar
[email protected]
703-836-7112, x253

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SOURCE United Way Worldwide