UWWA Names Jamie & Gene 'Poodgie' Poole As Tocqueville Society Family Of The Year

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Jamie and Gene “Poodgie” Poole have been named the United Way of West Alabama’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society Family of the Year.

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The annual honor recognizes the couple's philanthropic leadership and longtime support of charitable causes across the region.

UWWA announced the award Wednesday, praising the Pooles for years of civic involvement, volunteer service and financial support for nonprofit organizations and community programs in West Alabama.

The Pooles, owners of Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers, have supported a wide range of organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama, Children’s Hands On Museum, the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and United Way of West Alabama.

The couple has also been involved in education efforts, serving as an Adopt-A-School partner with Flatwood Elementary since the program began.

UWWA said the Pooles have also contributed to workforce and inclusion efforts through partnerships with Easterseals West Alabama, helping create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Jamie Poole was praised for her support of local nonprofits through her leadership with Arts ’n Autism and volunteer work through Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Gulf Shores.

Meanwhile, Gene Poole has held several prominent civic leadership roles in the region, including serving as chair of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, chair of the Tuscaloosa Convention and Visitors Bureau and president of the Downtown Tuscaloosa Merchants Association.

Gene Poole also served as campaign chair for United Way of West Alabama in 2015.

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