When the French aristocrat Alexis de Tocqueville came to America in 1831 to study our democratic society, he was most impressed by the way he saw neighbor helping neighbor.

In his study, Democracy in America, he remarked, "When an American asks for the cooperation of his fellow citizens, it is seldom refused, and I have often seen it afforded spontaneously and with great good will."

The Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Iredell County includes in its membership United Way donors that contribute $10,000 or more to support the United Way's annual fund drive. These gifts have tremendous impact on community needs.

Our sincerest appreciation goes to these very generous donors and we honor this great spirit of volunteerism and charitable giving.

2009
Benefactors Club
Honoree

William J. Leach, Jr.

It is with great enthusiasm and joy that United Way of Iredell County proudly announces William "Bill" Leach, Jr.  as our 2009 Benefactors Club Honoree.  This selection is based on Bill’s long term volunteer efforts which have helped shape this community into a wonderful place to live and work.

Bill was born in Littleton, NC and gained his education from Virginia Episcopal High School in Lynchburg, VA and the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC.  Bill also did his graduate studies at School of Banking at LSU.  Bill and his wife Carol, a retired teacher from the Iredell Statesville Schools, moved to Statesville in 1973.  They have a daughter, Meredith, who is a nurse at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

Bill has been with First Citizens Bank 41 years and in Statesville/Iredell County for 36 years. Most recently he has been Senior Vice-President and Business Banker.  Bill has been very active in volunteering and  sharing his leadership skills throughout our community.

Bill has served as chairman of numerous boards of community organizations, including Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Iredell County. He has served as the President of City of Progress Kiwanis Club, the Statesville Country Club and has been Senior Warden at Trinity Episcopal Church where he is currently Treasurer.  He served on the board of the UNC General Alumni Association. He currently is a Rotarian and chairman of Greater Statesville Development Corporation, serves on the board of the Mitchell Community College Endowment for Excellence and Downtown Statesville Development Corporation.

Bill is known for his integrity, dedication to a job well done and his love of the Carolina Tarheels.

United Way of Iredell County is so proud to recognize Bill Leach for his many contributions to improving lives and strengthening this community.

Please help us honor Bill for his gift of self with your gift to United Way of Iredell County in his honor.

"When an American asks for the cooperation of his fellow citizens, it is seldom refused, and I have often seen it afforded spontaneously and with great good will."

Alexis de Tocqueville, 1831