Monthly Archive March 2021

BySuzanne Hull

Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Dave Cox

Tell us about yourself: I am a local boy, father, husband, technician with a rich history of travel and residence in Europe, particularly Germany and the UK.

When why did you become involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? I met the founder in another group and kept in touch about our fond memories of Christkindl Markets in Germany. When she started, I was there to help make something in Des Moines that I really enjoyed in Germany.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? Seeing others enjoy the experience and culture that would otherwise be unavailable to Iowans.

Why should others volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? The event will not run without local volunteers making it happen. Its fun and a positive community experience.

Why is it important to volunteer (in general)? Engagement in the community. After this past year we should all see the value of community.

BySuzanne Hull

Join Des Moines European Heritage Association Today!

Silver – $100 (annual membership)

2 guaranteed Christkindlmarket Des Moines (CDM) commemorative mugs
Limited edition commemorative poster OR pin – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Free CDM reusable bag
5% off purchase of two tickets to one DMEHA Event or one language school class per membership year
Recognition on our website as a “Silver” member

Gold – $250 (annual membership)
Silver Rewards plus:

Limited edition commemorative poster – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Limited edition commemorative pin – voucher to give to the cashier at “An der Weihnachtsecke” store at CDM
Membership bracelet
Access to “express lane” for Glühwein, Beer and the DMEHA Bratwurst Imbiss am Markt (Must show membership bracelet)
10% total off purchase of two tickets to one DMEHA event or one language school class per calendar or membership year
5% off purchases at “An Der Weinachtsecke” store
Recognition as “Gold” level member at CDM

Specifics:

  • Membership is good for one year upon purchase of your membership.
  • Memberships must be purchased by November 2, 2021 to be included on printed materials. An “abbreviated” membership will be available for purchase at CDM 2021.

Complete this form and click here to make payment at the bottom of the page

BySuzanne Hull

Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Missy Mootz

Tell us about yourself: I was born and raised in western Iowa and attended The University of Iowa where I met my husband. In our 12 years of marriage we have lived in Minneapolis, Zürich, Switzerland, Des Moines, and now, currently reside in Ankeny. We have 3 children ages 6, 4 and 1, whom I entertain, chauffeur, and feed…all day long!

When and why did you become involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines: I became involved with CDM in April of 2016. We had just moved back from Switzerland in 2015, and I saw this as an opportunity to stay connected to many of the things I loved about my time in Europe.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? I love getting together with the other volunteers. We have so much fun together and our European connections are always topics of conversation, which helps keep my Swiss experiences alive.

Why should others volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? Volunteering with CDM never feels like a responsibility. It’s another reason to get together with a group of friends and have shared fun. There is truly something for everyone!

Why is it important to volunteer?
Volunteering is one of the best ways to be and get connected! If you are new to the area or find yourself without much socializing opportunities, volunteering is a great way to meet people, explore your community, and have fun!

BySuzanne Hull

Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Margaret Townsend

I’m Margaret Townsend.  I’m a retired school teacher, grandmother, gardener and community volunteer.  I became involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines during the initial planning time.  Suzanne Hull (Festival Director) was contacting local organizations and since I belonged to both the Sons of Norway and the Danish Brotherhood one call was to me.  

I met with her and a small group of other interested people to see if there was community interest.

I enjoy working with this dedicated group of young adults.  This group is innovative, energetic, and welcoming.  You will get a feeling of fulfillment if you join this group.  You may even make some new friends.

There is a job that is just made for your set of skills whether you are into carpentry, bar tending, retail sales, scheduling, bookkeeping, music, languages……well you get the idea. (I just thought of a few more: storytelling, dancing, cooking, decorating and dish-washing.)

Watch out this could become addictive!