Iowa European Cultural Connection (IECC) Receives $7,500 Iowa Tourism Grant
December 26, 2022 (DES MOINES, IA) – The Iowa Tourism Office announced nearly $300,000 in Iowa Tourism Grants to 33 organizations around the state. The program funds tourism-related marketing initiatives, meetings and events that benefit both local economies and the state’s economy with awards ranging from $2,500-10,000 with a 25% cash match.
This project paid for in part by the Iowa Tourism Office
IECC received a $7,500 grant to fund Christkindlmarket Des Moines Marketing. “We’re pleased to receive funding that will support the creation of promotional videos for Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2023,” says Suzanne Hull, Festival Director. “We love Iowa. We recognize that when people visit, they are more likely to stay. Our tourism-related project aligns with IEDA’s marketing campaign because we are showcasing downtown Des Moines and the state from a fresh perspective – that of a drone camera – and sets Iowa’s tourism efforts apart from others.”
“We’re pleased to invest in campaigns that work to change the perception of tourism in Iowa and encourage more people to visit our state,” said Amy Zeigler, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. “These projects will help us continue the momentum and growth of our industry.”
Visitors spent more than $6.1 billion across Iowa’s economy in 2021, an expansion of 35% over 2020 spending and within 5% of a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels. This direct visitor spending impact generated a total economic impact of $9.4 billion in Iowa, sustained nearly 65,000 jobs and generated $1.0 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2021.
“Tourism is a vital component to Iowa’s economy,” Zeigler said. “The $6.1 billion in visitor spending means nearly $16.7 million was spent daily by our visitors.”
The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $1.8 billion in tax revenues in 2021, with more than $1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 65,000 people statewide. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.
Iowa Afterschool Alliance
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations for our market patrons. The Iowa Afterschool Alliance will be joining Chriskindlmarket for their first time with a “This is Afterschool” tree. Preschool through 5th grade children in afterschool programs will showcase their artistic skills crafting a one-of-a-kind showstopper.
Iowa Afterschool Alliance develops strong statewide systems of support to provide high- quality activities and experiences to youth in before school, after school, and summer programming. These programs keep young people safe, provide childcare for working families, and organize activities that help youth develop skills and improve academically. Our vision is to give all Iowa children and youth access to quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities in their community!!
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm. For more information on Iowa Afterschool Alliance, please visit their website.
Daughters of Norway
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons. The Daughters of Norway have been busy collecting their nisse for “It’s A Gnome World After All” tree. Coming out of Nordic Folklore, gnomes are depicted as quirky short, bearded good luck charms, but they can be a little tricky if you’re not on your best behavior. The tree will also include traditional Scandinavian decorations including bunads.
Eva Nansen Lodge 46 became the first Iowa lodge to bear the name Daughters of Norway on November 5, 2006 with forty-six charter members representing Norway, Denmark, and Sweden ancestries. Membership is available not only to Norwegians, but women with Danish, Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic connections. The Lodge Sisters pride themselves in offering educational and festive events, cultural programs and activities, and social gatherings. Lifelong Nordic friendships have developed while sharing common interests.
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm. For more information on Daughters of Norway, please visit their website.
Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations for our market patrons.The Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge will be creating a “Stars and Hearts” tree. Many of the decorations are handmade by Lodge members. The tree will also be loaded with other decorations and wishes for your joy and peace at this beautiful time of year.
Sons of Norway has been in existence for 126 years and the Marsteinen Lodge, located in Des Moines, has been around for 37 of those. They are dedicated to keeping the Norwegian culture alive and membership consists of those who have Norwegian ancestry and anyone who has an interest in the culture. The Marsteinen Lodge usually has a potluck dinner at the December meeting followed by singing and dancing around the Christmas tree. The children attending are treated to a visit from the Nisse bringing small gifts.
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm. For more information on Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge, please visit their website.
AFS Intercultural Programs USA
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations for our market patrons. AFS Intercultural Programs USA is another first-time participant at CDM 2022. They will be “Celebrating Around the World with AFS” decorating their tree with colors and ornaments representing hosted students, host families, and volunteers.
AFS-USA empowers people to become globally engaged citizens by delivering meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world. In addition to tree decorating, they are celebrating their 75th Year of Exchange!
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1 st – 4 th . Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1 st at 5pm. For more information on AFS Intercultural Programs USA, please visit their website.
IECC – Iowa Kinder/Samstagsschule
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons. Iowa European Cultural Connection’s Samstagsschule will be brightening the Silent Auction with their “Lasst uns froh und munter sein” tree! “Let us be happy and Cheerful” is a German children’s Christmas carol traditionally sung during Advent on December 5th , the evening before Saint Nicholas Day. Children place their freshly cleaned winter boots outside the door in the evening and wake to find the boots filled with chocolates, gingerbread, nuts and oranges. Offering immersive German classes to ages two and up, from beginners to heritage speakers, IECC Kinder Samstagsschule strives to provide opportunities for kids to have fun while learning German language and culture.
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm. For more information on IECC-Iowa Kinder Samstagsschule, please visit their website.
Veterans In Agriculture
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons. Take a moment this holiday season to “Celebrate the Farm” with Veterans in Agriculture.
Trimmed with fabric animals you would find on the farm this tree gives a nod to agriculture. With 46% of the Nation’s military from rural America, service members have a tremendous amount of knowledge about agriculture. Gold, red, white, and blue ornaments will adorn the tree to represent the active military and veterans we serve. Veterans in Agriculture received nonprofit status in 2014 and have used their work to empower veterans to thrive in agriculture.
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1 st at 5pm. For more information on Veterans in Agriculture, please visit their website.
Mosaic in Central Iowa
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons. Mosaic in Central Iowa is joining us for a second year with their tree “Powered by Connection.” Along with decorating a Silent Auction tree, Mosaic volunteers alongside partner organizations throughout the holidays.
Mosaic was formed in 2003 from the consolidation of two Nebraska-born Lutheran ministries dedicated to the needs of people with disabilities. It is their mission to relentlessly pursue opportunities to empower people.
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1 st – 4 th . Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1 st at 5pm. For more information on Mosaic in Central Iowa and volunteer opportunities, please visit their website.
Des Moines Refugee Support
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons. Joining CDM’s Silent Auction for the first time is Des Moines Refugee Support. The “Iowa is for Everyone” tree will be decorated with ornaments designed and created by refugee children living in Des Moines. Des Moines Refugee Support identifies and bridges gaps for refugee families as they establish their new lives in Iowa. DMRS focuses on immediate and basic needs, early education, activities, and empowering teenagers. DMRS enjoys a Santa’s Ride holiday tradition visiting 5-6 apartment complexes to hand out toys, winter coats, boots, clothes, toiletries, and food.
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm.
Des Moines Refugee Support Upcoming Events:
- November 23-27 : DMRS is assisting Central Presbyterian Church distributing Thanksgiving baskets with culturally appropriate foods for Afghan neighbors. DMRS will also organize pizza delivery for a fun treat to other refugee families during this week off of school.
- December 3: Santa’s Ride– find a sign-up genius to help volunteer or donate items on DMRS Facebook page.
- December 26-30 Winter Break is another extended time when kids aren’t eating breakfast and lunch at school. Last Winter Break we had pizzas delivered to over 60 families, and we plan to do so again.
For more information on Des Moines Refugee Support, please visit their Facebook
page.
Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa
The Christkindlmarket Silent Auction has twelve Iowa non-profit organizations thrilled to present festive tree creations to our market patrons. Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa has returned for a second year with a Hope for Rescued Animals tree. In addition to beautifying CDM 2022 with an amazing tree, they have a Giving Tree tradition with their vet partner, Pet Medical Center of Urbandale.
Providing “Hope” is the main goal of this animal rescue which was founded in June 2014. According to their website, they are “a no-kill rescue whose mission is to rescue, protect, and provide hope as we search for loving homes for stray and neglected animals.”
Join us at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2022 December 1st – 4th . Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2022 starting December 1st at 5pm.
Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa Upcoming Events:
- November: Dog/Cat treat drive with Pet Supplies Plus
- December: Giving Tree with Pet Medical Center of Urbandale
For more information on Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa and upcoming events, please
visit their website and Facebook Page.