ONLINE: Mary Lang Sollinger

×

Expand

Mark Gillespie

Mary Lang Sollinger and President Barack Obama.

Mary Lang Sollinger was one of Barack Obama's earliest and most enthusiastic supporters when he first ran for president. After hosting a fundraiser for Obama in her lakefront Madison home in the fall of 2007, she organized 12 other fundraisers around the state for the presidential candidate. She went on to serve on his national finance committee in 2008 and 2012. A huge fan of the former president, Sollinger has now written a book about her experience, From Inspiration to Activism: A Personal Journey Through Obama's Presidential Campaign, and will discuss the book with recently retired radio host Carol Koby via Zoom during this event hosted by A Room of One's Own. RSVP here for the link.

press release: Happy Hour Virtual Conversation with Mary Lang Sollinger and Carol Koby!

About From Inspiration to Activism: Mary’s years of fundraising experience culminated in an incredible opportunity to host a fundraiser at her home with Senator Obama in the fall of 2007. Mary believed in all that he stood for and knew that she needed to do whatever it took to help Senator Obama and others seek political office.

Mary was tireless in her efforts to get out the vote for Senator Obama through canvassing across Madison, Dubuque, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis. While knocking on door after door, Mary found unique ways to overcome obstacles when trying to connect with people on the other side of those doors. She embodied Obama’s campaign mantra: respect, empower, include.

After the huge success of Senator Obama’s 2007 fundraiser, Mary Lang Sollinger went on to organize twelve fundraisers throughout Wisconsin in fourteen months. As a result of her fundraising successes, she was asked to serve on President Obama’s National Finance Committee, both in 2008 and 2012.

Carol Koby recently retired as executive producer and host of All About Living, a weekly radio she hosted for 18 years on Mid-West Family Broadcasting stations. Previously, Carol moderated Picture of Health, a cable television series produced by the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. In earlier years, Carol Koby was the first women’s director and a news reporter at WITI-TV, Channel 6, in Milwaukee, and consumer advocate, news reporter, and public affairs moderator for WKOW-TV, Channel 27, in Madison.