Celebrity News:

Coralville, IA- United Way's Women's Leadership Circle "Power of the Purse" event co-chairs Mary Lea Kruse and Jo Lavera Jones today announced the names of the Celebrity Auctioneers who will be conducting the live auction portion of the annual event to be held Thursday, November 01, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., The Clubhouse at Brown Deer Golf Course, Coralville.

Auctioneers are selected for a combination of name-recognition, their commitment to the community development work of United Way, and, according to Kruse "a personality that ignites the audience to have fun while helping United Way." Since inception, the live auction portion of the event has been conducted by local celebrities instead of professionals. "Our Celebrity Auctioneers are the hallmark of this event," said Jones, "and have been since the event was created in 2004." The 2007 Celebrity Auctioneers are Jeff Disterhoft, University of Iowa Community Credit Union; Jan Jensen, Hawkeye Women's Basketball; Donna Katen-Bahensky, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; Michael Lensing, Lensing Funeral Home; Lynette Marshall, University of Iowa Foundation; and Josh Schamberger, Iowa City Coralville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The name of the event was chosen because "Power of the Purse" refers both to the constitutional power given to Congress to raise and spend money for the public good, and the economic power of women who control almost 80 percent of household spending.
The format of the event has been changed slightly based on feedback from last year's attendees. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. with hors d oeuvres and wine. Silent auction tables will close at approximately 5:15, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. Live auction will run from 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. "We know our attendees are busy people. We want them to stop by after work and buy a purse, but be able to leave in time for their next engagement," says Kruse who will Emcee the event.
Tickets are $25 and may be reserved by calling United Way of Johnson County at 319-338-7823. Purse donors and members of the Women's Leadership Circle may request complimentary tickets. Men are welcome.
The 2007 Power of the Purse event is hosted by Cyndie Schmeiser, Lynette Marshall, Jo Lavera Jones, Mary Lea Kruse, Celia Burger, Mary Richard, Libby Slappey, Jane Bender, and Lori Fiebelkorn, Purse Posse Diva. The event is supported by gifts from Iowa City Press-Citizen, Benson & Hepker Design, Dimitri Wine & Spirits, Fountain of Flowers, and West Music.
The Women's Leadership Circle was founded in 1999 by Dottie Ray, Jo Lavera Jones, and Vicki Lensing. It's purpose is to highlight the positive impact women make on the quality of life in Johnson County. These women help other women in our community through their generous gifts to United Way of Johnson County. This support is vital - women are, more often than men, victims of domestic violence or rape, apt to both live and work at poverty level, be a single parent, serve as simultaneous caregivers to children and parents, and live alone as they age. Since inception, Women's Leadership Circle donors have raised more than $1,200,000.