Author Archive Suzanne Hull

The Waukee High School International Club is eager to showcase “Deutschland 2020” at this year’s Silent Auction as they work towards funding a trip to Germany in Summer 2020.

Students in the International Club come together to enjoy the German language and culture while educating others and hope to spark an interest in connecting people to other cultures throughout the world.

The summer program arranges for students to stay with a family in Dortmund and go to a German High School to better understand the culture and use their knowledge of the German Language. They will also explore Berlin to continue looking into the theme of the 30th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall and engage in the German-American Friendship that has been a constant in Waukee.

“As the year of the German-American Friendship winds down in 2019 and the 30th anniversary of the Berlin Wall happens, we want to make sure that students of all backgrounds are afforded the opportunity to travel and experience the World first hand,” explains Danielle Taha, Club representative.

The “Deutschland 2020” tree with feature bulbs and ribbons in the colors of the German flag – Black, Red, and Gold (Schwarz, Rot, Gold).  These colors are used to celebrate the unity of West and East Germany on the 30th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.  The soft white lights are meant to shine a beacon for all countries that Democracy will prevail and unite the people. The German culture will also be highlighted using clear and pretzel ornaments to show their love of food and drink that reaches the hearts of all people. This theme also connects in with the Wunderbar Together – Year of the German-American Friendship as different cultures are explored in Waukee.

One hundred percent of the funds will go directly to Waukee Students raising money to attend the Germany Family Stay in Summer 2020. This will enable students the opportunity to continue their German Language and Culture learning in Dortmund and Berlin leading to lifelong learning of German Culture.

For more information on The Waukee High School International Club, visit their website.

Star Treatments is another new organization decorating a tree at this years’ 4^th annual Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction.

Star Treatments was founded as a non-profit organization by Matt DiRito and is currently celebrating its 5th year as an organization. Their mission is to provide a VIP transportation experience to medical facilities for children receiving ongoing medical care.

“We work with children whom require hospital visits that are not only frequent, but often far away. By providing these children and their families VIP style transportation to and from their medical appointments, we have seen a dramatic effect in the child’s morale surrounding their entire visit,” explains Jamie, a Star Treatments representative. “Not only does it provide a comfortable and exciting experience where parents can comfort their child, but it removes the out of pocket expenses that can drain a traveling family. There are no more concerns of gas prices, vehicle reliability, or whose turn it is to drive- all of the focus is now turned to the child and their healing journey on the road.”

Star Treatments’ focus has always been providing their services, therefore they don’t place much emphasis on promoting the organization. Decorating a tree, allows them to be directly involved in the community and provides a space where Star Treatments can be seen and individuals can be introduced to the organization. Funds from the purchase of this tree will be used to provide VIP transportation to two children from Iowa receiving this service.

Children served by Star Treatments are referred to as “VIP” and “Rockstar” so the tree will be adorned with Gold/Red Ribbon, Guitar picks, Bass Guitar Strings, Lanyards, Camera’s…and other items that relate to VIP treatment.

To bid on this tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines at Principal Park December 6^th-8^th and the preview event December 5^th.

For more information on Star Treatments, visit their website.

Denmark is going to have quite a showing at the 4^th annual Christkindlmarket Silent Auction. The Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15 is another new organization this year adding festive Danish flare.

Lodge #15 wants to promote Danish heritage and traditions in the Greater Des Moines area with their visibility at Christkindlmarket Des Moines. They will be using the funds from their tree to assist other charitable causes.

If you are in need a of a live, cut tree that has been lovingly decorated, stop by Christkindlmarket Des Moines and place a bid December 6^th-8^th with a preview event December 5^th.

For more information on the Danish Brotherhood Lodge #15, visit their Facebook page.

Christkindlmarket Des Moines would like to welcome first time participants in the Silent Auction, The Danish Sisterhood.

Inspired by the success of the Danish Brotherhood of America, Christine Hemmingsen, a Danish immigrant from Orup, Denmark, established the Danish Sisterhood of America in 1883. The Sisterhood works to strengthen, maintain and preserve the Danish heritage and traditions for future generations.

“We want to let the public know about our organization. Many people in Des Moines have no idea there is an organization whose sole purpose is to celebrate our Danish heritage and to teach and pass on the traditions of Denmark,” explains Sisterhood member, Carol Rudisill.

The money raised in the Silent Auction will be used in service to other organizations including the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa. The museum is archiving and cataloging artifacts reaching back to the late 1800’s from Danish Sisterhoods across the United States. The Sisterhood also supports Ronald McDonalds House, Dorothy’s House, and the Food Bank of Iowa.