It’s been about a month since democratic gubernatorial candidate Kevin Kamenetz died unexpectedly.
Although his race for governor ended with his death, the Committee for Kamenetz plans to wrap up his campaign.
With the state primary less than two weeks away, the late Baltimore County executive’s name remains on the ballot for governor. Thursday, his family and the Committee for Kamenetz found a way to honor his legacy with the remaining funds in his campaign.
Kevin Kamenetz’s wife Jill Kamenetz said "we will continue to grieve the loss of Kevin, but are confident and hopeful that these donations will build upon his legacy and provide support to organizations that Kevin thought so highly of and worked hard to promote. I’m sure he’s looking down right now, smiling and very proud."
Campaign finance chair for the Committee for Kamenetz announced that Kamenetz’s commitment to public service will continue after his death with a series of donations.
"While this is not the outcome any of us imagined, it is our hope the donations will make a tangible difference for countless people across the Baltimore region," Klein said.
With nearly $1.4 million left in the campaign fund, the largest donation of $915, 000 goes to the Central Scholarship, a new college scholarship fund for Baltimore County Public School students.
Central Scholarship president Jan Wagner said "like Kevin, we believe in the transformative power of education and that it opens doors to a brighter future. Kevin, this stands as a legacy to your work. Thank you for a life well lived."
Kamenetz died of a heart attack in May. Now, his campaign may help save the lives of others. It’s donating a quarter of a million dollars to the cardiac care program at northwest hospital.
Northwest Hospital executive vice-president of LifeBridge Health Brian White said "we are truly grateful to receive this gift. We plan to do great work to honor Kevin’s legacy by enhancing our cardiac care program. We’re proud that the program will be an enduring legacy to our friend and our supporter Kevin Kamenetz."
Meanwhile, to honor Kamenetz’s support of the arts and education, the committee will donate $100,000 each to the Hippodrome Foundation and the Maryland Zoo.
Maryland Zoo vice-president governmental affairs Diane Hutchins said "this money will be used to honor Kevin Kamenetz in a way that we think is reflective of him, and the work that he did in this county and in this region."
The Kamenetz family played a key role in selecting the recipients of the leftover funds. His wife Jill thanked everyone who has donated to her husband’s campaigns throughout his entire career.
