As we prepare for our annual dinner celebrating the Greater Twin Cities United Way Tocqueville Society, we reflect on last year’s honorees. During the 2026 dinner, we celebrated our society’s 20th anniversary and honored past and present leaders, reflecting on our community’s legacy of leadership giving.
Rani Murdoch Zappa and Jim Zappa were awarded the Excellence in Community Service Award, which recognizes Tocqueville Society members who have utilized their leadership, time, expertise and care to be of service to and advocate for the wellbeing of our region.
Jim and Rani are dedicated community servants, contributing both their time and resources to advance the mission of Greater Twin Cities United Way. The couple began supporting United Way many years ago through automatic payroll deductions early in their careers and have since deepened their engagement as active volunteers and members of the Tocqueville Society and Million Dollar Roundtable.
Through his past service as chair of the board of directors and a member of the executive and governance committees, Jim’s leadership has played a crucial role in shaping the future of Greater Twin Cities United Way.
“I am particularly proud of the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd,” said Jim. “As an organization we recognized that we had an opportunity to meet immediate needs and seek systems change at the same time. It was a meaningful experience for me to be part of the board during that time of evolution.”
Both Rani and Jim have also served on the Tocqueville Society cabinet, helping to inspire others to connect to each other and the mission.
“When we found ourselves getting involved in community, we really had our eyes opened to the strengths and challenges of the community we live in,” said Jim. “It’s been a gratifying experience to have the ability to learn and meet such wonderfully talented people working in community, and to see the opportunities our community has available if people invest their time, treasure and talent in being part of the solution.”
Beyond United Way, Jim and Rani are deeply invested in the community. Rani served for many years as a deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she is now an elder. She also tutors elementary school students in reading and for many years was a parent educator for early childhood family education. Additionally, the couple supports philanthropic organizations that have played a role in their own lives, including Scouts BSA, Alight and more.
“Our hope is for people to recognize that we can create a truly thriving community if all members of the community have the opportunity to thrive. That type of community is worth investing in,” said Jim.
