Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Governor-elect Culver Announces Inaugural Chairs, Charity & Date
Governor-elect Chet Culver and Lt. Governor-elect Patty Judge are proud to announce that Bill and Susan Knapp will chair their Inaugural Committee. Along with Bill and Susan Knapp, Ed Campbell and Willie Glanton will serve as Honorary Chairs of the Inaugural Committee. Former Culver-Judge Finance Director and Deputy Campaign Manager Emily Hajek will serve as the Inaugural Director.
The inauguration will take place on January 12th.
Governor-elect Culver is also proud to announce that Youth & Shelter Services Foundation will serve as the charity through which the Inaugural Committee will work. Throughout the campaign Iowa’s future First Lady Mari Culver visited several youth shelters across the state and vowed to make at-risk children a priority as First Lady. All of our proceeds after expenses will remain with YSS and be directed toward their shelters and services and other shelters in Iowa.
“I met and talked with children and women with children in shelters across the state,” said Mrs. Culver. “Their strength and courage was inspiring to me, as was the service and commitment of the dedicated staff who work at those shelters. I will never forget these experiences. I am deeply honored to have Youth & Shelter Services Foundation, a tremendous service organization, as our inaugural partner.”
“Chet Culver will be the governor for all Iowans, and Youth & Shelter Services is proud to partner with him and the people of Iowa,” said YSS Foundation CEO George Belitsos. “We invite everyone to participate and celebrate a brighter future.”
BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF CHAIRS, CO-CHAIRS AND DIRECTOR:
Bill Knapp:
William C. (Bill) Knapp is an Iowa entrepreneur and philanthropist. In 1985, Drake University President Michael Ferrari sought Bill’s help in arresting the decline around campus. Plans for apartments, a restaurant and a hotel were drawn up and Knapp found the investors. While that project was breathing life back in the Drake neighborhood, Bill turned his attention to developing a new site for the Bethel Mission and raised money to build the Homes of Oakridge Community Center, the Tiny Tots Day Care Center and YWCA. Following the sale of Iowa Realty, Bill Knapp formed Knapp Properties, Inc. and currently serves as its Chairman Emeritus. Knapp Properties owns, operates and manages a diverse portfolio of real estate holdings as well as providing third party real estate management and brokerage services.
Susan Knapp:
Susan Knapp is the current Vice President of Marketing of Knapp Properties. Susan was the co-founder and first president of the Association of Women Contractors, an organization formed in 1985 to meet the needs of women in construction. She is currently a member of the Art Center Board and a past recipient of the “Governor’s Volunteer Award” in 2000 for outstanding contribution of volunteer service to the State of Iowa.
Edward Campbell:
Edward L. Campbell served in the U.S. Army and is a graduate of the University of Iowa. In 1965 he served as a Special Assistant to Governor Harold Hughes. One of Campbell’s most significant responsibilities was to oversee the establishment of the community colleges in the State of Iowa. In 1974, Campbell returned to Iowa to run the campaign of Congressman John C. Culver, who sought the Senate seat being vacated by Harold Hughes. In 1977, Campbell was elected State Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party and served with distinction in that position until 1982. As Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, Campbell became a nationally-recognized and respected political confidante, observer, and commentator.
Willie Glanton:
Willie Glanton is an Iowa attorney and well-known activist. She was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1986 for her dedication to law, human services and civil rights. In 1953, she became the first African American woman admitted to the Iowa bar. She served Assistant Polk County Attorney and was the first African American female elected to the Iowa State Legislature.
Emily Hajek:
Emily Hajek is a Marion native and graduate in journalism and political science from the University of Iowa. She has worked since January, 2005 as Finance Director and Deputy Campaign Manager for the Culver-Judge campaign. Prior to that she worked as a Finance Events Manager for the Democratic National Committee and as Field Organizer and GOTV Director for the Kerry for President campaign.
HOW THE CHARITY WORKS:
The Culver-Judge Inaugural Committee functions as an entity within Youth and Shelter Services Foundation, Inc. In developing our inaugural activities, the Inaugural Committee would also help and showcase an organization that is working hard to improve the lives of young Iowans. By partnering with YSS, we can educate Iowans about YSS services and encourage individuals and corporations to financially assist YSS. All of our proceeds after expenses will remain with YSS and be directed toward their shelters and services and other shelters in Iowa.