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The Iowa Genealogical Society (IGS) was founded in 1965 by a small group of dedicated genealogists with a mission to help preserve the past and enrich the future. Today, members are located all over the world, with a book collection that would span the length of more than 5 football fields! IGS is a 501(c)(3) corporation that operates solely through grants, yearly membership renewals, the ongoing sales of duplicate books, and personal donations. They do not receive financial support from any federal, state, or local government. The IGS library is located at 628 E. Grand Ave. in the East Village, and it is open 6 days a week.

Consider supporting the Iowa Genealoical Society by bidding on their tree at Christkindlemarket Des Moines’ 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction December 1^st-3^rd at Cowles Commons.

For more information, please visit the IGS website.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

“Belle E Forti Le Donne Italo Americane” (Beautiful Strong Italian American Women)

This is the motto of the Italian American Women of Iowa. They work to revive, promote and preserve the Italian heritage of its members. The club is made up of 97 women from ages 18-102 and give back to the community by volunteering or collecting items for other charitable organizations.

Lisa Cruchelow, a member of the Italian American Women, explained different ways they have been able to lend a hand. “Our group gives 90% of the money we raise back to the community like: Orchard Place, Ronald McDonald, YESS, Ken Eaton Foundation, Northern Warren Fire Dept., Wounded Warriors, Variety Club, St. Catherine’s, make dinners for Drake students, and in the past, we helped 5 families have a Merry Christmas.”

The Italian Women of Iowa are excited to bring some Italian flair to Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction.  If you are interested in bidding on their tree and supporting the work done by Italian American Women of Iowa, come to Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 December 1st-3rd.

Veterans In Agriculture (VIA) are farmers, veterans, agri-business professional, educators, and other service providers dedicated to empowering veterans to thrive in Iowa agriculture. They provide three main programs/resources to help fulfill their mission statement: The Veterans in Agriculture Network, VIA Resource Guide, Rural America Hiring Heroes, and Find a Farmer Veteran.

“Most people are not aware that 46% of our military comes from rural America, while only about 15% of our overall population is from that same demographic. Many of those that are from rural areas have some type of agricultural background,” explained Beth Grabau, former board member. “VIA empowers veterans to thrive in agriculture by either connecting them to the needed resources to be successful in farm businesses, or by linking veterans to agricultural employers for successful careers. This is done through workshops, mentoring, and other classes.”

“Given the work VIA does helping returning military, this year the theme of our tree will be a reference to ‘all roads lead home,’” shares Grabau. They will also use red, silver, and blue ornaments and include “Welcome Home” ornaments featuring each branch of the military.

“All roads lead home and we welcome all those that are returning.”

Veterans In Agriculture are a returning participant to our Silent Tree Auction. Please come to Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 1^st-3^rd to make your bid and support this organization.

For more information on Veterans In Agriculture, please visit their website.

The Waukee High School German Department aids in creating well-rounded and cultured students. “We are dedicated to optimizing each individual’s learning and potential for success in a global community by providing students with opportunities to immerse in the culture and language of their choice of foreign language study,” explained Tia Anissa Pezzetti, a representative for the department.

“This organization supports students enrolled in a foreign language the opportunity to travel and study abroad while enhancing their language and cultural experiences through immersion and interaction with host families through a fifteen year partnership with a German school in Dortmund.”  Waukee High School German Department Waukee High School German DepartmentWaukee

Come to the 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 1^st-3^rd to bid on the Waukee High School German Department’s festive tree. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the auction goes back to the participating organizations.

The Pet Project Midwest began in 2009 with a mission to keep pets in their loving homes and out of shelters. The run four main programs: Pet Pantry, AniMeals, Paws for Life, and Iowa Pet Alert.

“Our first program,” explained Kim Hanlon, a member of the Board, “was Iowa Pet Alert, which continues to reunite lost pets throughout the state of Iowa. Soon after, the Pantry was born. The Pantry has been providing food and supplies to Metro families since 2010. The Pantry was designed as a temporary program to assist families who found themselves dealing with a loss of income due to job loss, illness, under employment or whatever situation put their family at risk of surrendering their family pet to one of the many shelters in the community. The Pantry gives those folks 6 months of breathing room to get things back on track while keeping the family whole.”

“In just 8 years, The Pet Project Midwest has helped thousands of families stay together. What’s more remarkable is The Pet Project Midwest has done so with 100% volunteer help and a working Board of Directors. The Pet Project Midwest is funded by grants and community donations. In fact, over 70% of our funding has come from people in the community who share our passion for pets but who also know a pets’ importance to the family.”

They are always looking for ways to add to their mission including: aiding people with veterinary care and assistance with spay/neuter. Unfortunately, current funding has prohibited this type of support. They are currently partnering with other animal organizations in the area to help families find assistance.

“Because our mission is to keep families together, our tree theme will be the family,” said Hanlon. “We will incorporate all aspects of the family including those with fur, feathers or in some cases scales.

To bid on this tree and support the work of The Pet Project Midwest, please visit our 2^nd Annual Silent Tree Auction at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 1^st-3^rd.

For more information on The Pet Project Midwest, please visit their website.

The Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge was started in 1984 to promote and preserve the heritage and culture of Norway. According to their mission statement, they celebrate relationships with other Nordic countries and provide quality insurance and financial products to members. They fulfill their mission “… by meeting monthly, with a program that highlights some aspect of Norwegian life and culture both past and present. Also, we eat a lot,” explained Wayne Almlie, current lodge president.

The Sons of Norway are set to decorate their Christkindlmarket Silent Auction tree with a Norwegian theme, including: straw ornaments, Norwegian colors, Vikings, Nisse, and other decorations usually associated with Norway.

If you are interested in bidding on this tree and supporting the Sons of Norway, come to Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 December 1st-3rd.

For more information on the Sons of Norway Marsteinen Lodge, please visit their website.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa provides meaningful help to Iowan’s impacted with seizure disorders and epilepsy. The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to stop seizures and SUDEP, find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy through efforts including education, advocacy and research to accelerate ideas into therapies.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa’s representative, Jessica Hunnell, “We can help families when a loved one is newly diagnosed with epilepsy and guide them to resources to help overcome challenges often associated with epilepsy to improve quality of life.  We provide education folders, as well as epilepsy medical ID necklaces/bracelets and epilepsy empowerment groups are held across the state.”

“Advocacy is a large part of what we do, and we are always advocating to improve access for all potential treatment options for seizure management and physician access.  Other advocacy efforts include helping navigate the IEP process in the school setting or collaborating with an employment counselor to help obtain and maintain employment with accommodations in place.  We organize & host an annual Iowa Seizure Smart Conference which brings in experts to educate families & caregivers on seizure treatment, management & social services and includes a community resource fair and an education program for children.”

The Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa will be using shades of purple, the Epilepsy Foundation’s color of epilepsy awareness, to trim their tree at the upcoming Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2^nd annual Silent Tree Auction. If you are interested in bidding on this tree and supporting this organization, come to Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017, December 1st-3rd.

Click here for more information on the Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.