Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Veterans in Agriculture
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Joining us for a fifth year with a “Farmhouse Christmas” is Veterans in Agriculture (VIA). Featuring farm and farmhouse themed ornaments primarily in red and white with hints of blue representing veterans’ transitioning into agriculture. The colors are also a nod to the military service organizations utilizing VIA’s services.
Veterans in Agriculture received nonprofit status in 2014 and have used their work to empower veterans to thrive in agriculture. Forty-six percent of the Nation’s military is from rural America, which translates to a tremendous amount of knowledge in that field.
VIA has gained approval from the US Department of Labor for two registered apprenticeships. The Silent Auction proceeds will be used to support this programming as they work to train the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders.
If you would like to bid on the “Farmhouse Christmas” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information on Veterans In Agriculture, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: The Daughters of Norway- Eva Nansen
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Daughters of Norway- Eva Nansen Lodge is joining us for a fifth year and giving a tree “Full of Hearts.” There are many things to love about Norway and the other Scandinavian Countries, and it shows through the time and attention given to every ornament on this tree made by lodge sisters. Don’t forget about those gnomes roaming Scandinavian homes (and trees) spreading a little bit of luck along the way.
The Daughters of Norway put their hearts into searching and learning all things about their heritage through speakers, programs, crafts, music, food, traditions and more. 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.
If you would like to bid on the “Full of Hearts” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information on The Daughters of Norway, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Decorating for their fourth year, SoN will treat us to a “Red, White, and Blue” tree representing the countries of Norway, United Sates, and Canada, where lodges are located. The decorations are mostly handmade and will include natural materials, wooden ornaments, Rosemaled ornaments, garden materials and treated paper ornaments.
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 with Norwegian ancestry and anyone who has an interest in the culture. Christmas is the highlight of Norwegian winters. Before December 25th many towns have a Christmas market, special parties and concerts. These activities unify the communities and families with a strong tradition of special foods, music, dances, decorations, even the animals are included. 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.
Silent Auction funds will be used to aid other nonprofit organizations in the community.
If you would like to bid on the “Red, White, and Blue” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information Sons of Norway, Martsteinen Lodge, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Serving Hands, Inc.
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Decorating for their first time, Serving Hands, Inc. would like to encourage everyone to open your hearts to the world with “Loving Kindness.” Ornaments with inspirational messages remind everyone how important it is to show loving kindness in a divisive world. The tree ornaments symbolize nature with pine cones and wooden ornaments reflect the serenity that nature provides.
Since its inception in December 2018, Serving Hands, Inc. has provided 1077 meals, donated 837 hygiene items, and provided financial assistance to individuals, families, and organizations in need. As a volunteer led nonprofit, people from all walks of life serve others by providing food, personal hygiene, and financial assistance to those in need.
The holidays mean hope, love, kindness, and giving. Serving Hands, Inc hopes to impact and enrich people’s lives during this season and beyond by using the funds from the Silent Auction to further their work in the community.
If you would like to bid on the “Loving Kindness” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information the Serving Hands, Inc., please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Iowa Genealogical Society
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Returning for a second year, Iowa Genealogical Society wants to celebrate an anniversary with CDM! “Blast from the Past” will be a 1950’s theme marking 2022 as the 72nd anniversary of the 1950 US Federal Census. This is an important occasion to genealogists because it means the population tables from the 1950 census will be released for use by genealogists and the general public.
The Iowa Genealogical Society was founded in 1965 with a mission to foster an interest in genealogy and aid others in researching their family history. The holidays are important and facilitate many occasions for families to gather and share their roots.
If you would like to bid on the “Blast from the Past” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information the Iowa Genealogical Society, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Danish Sisterhood
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
The Danish Sisterhood in America Lodge 102 has returned for their second turn at decorating a tree, and it won’t disappoint! “Handmade Heritage” will evoke a feeling of Denmark when you gaze upon this tree filled with Danish woven baskets, cones, and sneaky little Nisse who like to hide in peoples’ homes and cause mischief. Through a lot of skill, the members of the Danish Sisterhood have also created a showstopping star to top off the tree.
The Danish Sisterhood national organization was started in Michigan in 1883. Many Danish people were immigrating to America and found themselves in need of help. The Sisterhood was built as a support to those Danes that needed a helping hand both financially and emotionally. Lodge 102 was a “rebirth” of a lodge that disbanded then restarted in the early 1900’s.
The mission of the Danish Sisterhood is to preserve and strengthen the Danish culture in the community. In addition, they adhere to the principals of support by helping sisters in need.
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 the late 1800’s from Danish Sisterhoods across the United States. The Sisterhood also supports The Ronald McDonald House, Dorothy’s House, and the Food Bank of Iowa.
If you would like to bid on the “Homemade Heritage” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information the The Danish Sisterhood of America, please visit their website.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Beginnings Preschool at Ankeny First United Methodist Church
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has returned this year with ten local non-profits to support while enjoying the market experience.
Making their first appearance in the Silent Auction is Bright Beginnings Preschool at Ankeny First United Methodist Church. With a nod to a Christmas classic, “Silver and Gold” will give you all the feels as you take in the love and excitement used to create these ornaments crafted by the two, three, four and five-year-olds currently attending the preschool.
Bright Beginnings Preschool was opened in 1964 by a church member that saw a need for early childhood education in the Ankeny community. The preschool programs provide opportunities for a child to realize his or her own potential as a two, three, four or five-year-old person. Each program is specifically structured for the developmental age level of the child enrolled. Cooperative planning ensures that the programs complement each other.
Since play is the foundation of child development, the preschool plans for and recognize its value. The Silent Auction funds will go to replace and supplement many of the manipulatives and classroom tools/furniture. Working with young children means things get loved all day, every day and need to be replaced.
If you would like to bid on the “Silver and Gold” tree, visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 2nd-5th. Bidding is available via text and online at www.event.gives/cdm2021 starting December 2nd at 5pm.
For more information Bright Beginnings Preschool, please visit their website.
Dueling Fiddles | #CDM2021 Performer
Tell us about your group
The Dueling Fiddles consists of two violinists, Hanna Wolle and Genevieve Salamone. Formed in 2016, Hanna and Genevieve first met as stand partners in the Des Moines Symphony. Their shared love of music led them to form the Dueling Fiddles. Over the past 5 years, this dynamic group has had the opportunity to share their music with communities and fans across the Midwest.
What are you most looking forward to at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?
We are most looking forward to getting into the holiday spirit! We are working on several new holiday arrangements and releasing a holiday EP that we will debut at Christkindlmarket Des Moines.
What’s your favorite thing about performing at events like this?
Our favorite part about performing at events like this is the opportunity to share our music with festival attendees. Having people dance at our shows and enjoy our music is the reason why we do what we do.
Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums of Iowa | #CDM2021 Performer
Tell us about your group
“The band was founded by Thomas S Coulson, a distinguished piper, who served during World War II, as a pipe major with the Essex Scottish 4th Brigade of Canada and as a piper in the Seaforth Highlanders,” explains Dawn Baldwin, the organization’s representative.
“He moved to Newton, Iowa and founded the Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums about the mid ’70’s. We are a paramilitary pipe and drum band and our uniforms are steeped in traditional attire worn both on Scottish and American soil. Our tartan is Ancient Mackenzie.”
The Mackenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums, currently 11 members in size, represent the Greater Des Moines, Iowa metro area. Their primary mission is to support Active and Reserve Military Units, Law Enforcement Agencies and Fire Departments and regularly perform at the events that support these agencies.
What are you most looking forward to at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?
We’re really looking forward performing at Christkindlmarket Des Moines. It’s a fun, unique family event, and we’re looking forward to seeing the smiling faces again. The volunteers, facilities and location are top notch. We’re very honored to play at this event.
If you’re interested in learning to play please visit our web site or find us on Facebook.
Heartland Youth Choir | #CDM2021 Performer
Tell us about your group
Cantilena Choir is one of six choirs at Heartland Youth Choir. This year, our enrollment is 28 students! Heartland Youth Choir is in its 19th year.
What are you most looking forward to at Christkindlmarket Des Moines?
We are looking forward to performing for a live audience. After last year, any chance we get to share our music is important to us. Families of our singers look forward to the fun they have after we are done performing and can enjoy the market.
What’s your favorite thing about performing at events like this?
Cantilena choir, families, and musicians love performing at Christkindlemarket Des Moines. We love the atmosphere that it provides, and the family time we spend after we perform walking around the festival.