William B. Quarton Society
Trace Pickering
2012/2013
Chair: Trace Pickering, The Gazette Co.
Vice Chair: Kate Beihl, OPN Architects
“Today’s world requires us to co-create the communities we want to live in. Joining the efforts of connectors like the United Way fills me with hope and possibility that we can and will do just that.” – Trace Pickering
About the Society
Emerging donors who make an investment of $500 to $1,249 enjoy special recognition and events designed to expand their community awareness. They share an interest in volunteerism and see a direct impact of their dollars through support of United Way initiatives and programs. This Society is named after Cedar Rapids philanthropist, William B. Quarton. In 2011, Quarton Society members gave $1,741,916.
Kate Beihl
If you would like more information on becoming a leadership giver, contact Benjamin Hoover at (319) 398-5372 ext. 21 or bhoover@uweci.org.
The 2012-13 Committee
Brent Foss, Rockwell Collins
Matt Huber, Modern Piping
Kara Krueger, hibu
Erin Moller, Benchmark Inc.
Christine Naxera, Cargill, Inc.
Julie Snyder-Klinger, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Lisa Tesar, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Charlene “Chic” Unkel, Whirlpool
Lisa Wade; Penford Products
Chris Wheeler, Point Builders
History
The William B. Quarton Society at United Way of East Central Iowa was named in honor of Cedar Rapids philanthropist, William B. Quarton. Bill Quarton was born in Algona, Iowa, and took his first job with Thomas Edison in 1926 in New York. After several years, his training took him to the stock brokerage business. He became intrigued with radio as he watched the spread of long wire radio antennas on the roof tops of Brooklyn from his apartment.
He caught the fever for broadcast and moved back to Iowa in 1931 to run a 100 watt radio station in Cedar Rapids. In 1933 a more powerful station owned by the Waterloo Morning Tribune (WMT) was purchased and the original small station was taken off the air, and the more powerful WMT was moved to Cedar Rapids.
Under the ownership and guidance of Quarton, WMT became one of the radio broadcast pioneer leaders. In 1953, Quarton’s vision brought the first television station to Cedar Rapids, WMT-TV, now KGAN-TV. In a career spanning seven decades, Quarton assumed numerous leadership positions.
During his careers Quarton always made contributing back to our community a top priority. One of his major accomplishments included spear-heading the revitalization of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Due in part to Quarton’s leadership and direction, the foundation is well poised to give back to the community for generations to come.
Prior chairs
2002 – Clay Jones/Lee Clancey
2003 – Lee Clancey/Peter Seyfer
2004 – Larry Helling/Jim Tinker
2005 -Jim Tinker/Cheryle Mitvalsky
2006 – Dennis Jordan/Brad Schoenfelder
2008 – Robb Loftsgard and Stephanie Neighbor
2009 – Robb Loftsgard and Stephanie Neighbor
2010 – Brian Frese and Heather Lynxwiler
2011-2012 – Brian Frese, Transamerica, and Colleen Hepner, Kaplan University
