Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Friendship Force of Greater Des Moines
The Friendship Force of Greater Des Moines was founded in 1977, and is one of 350 clubs around the world that promotes international understanding, cultural education, and citizen diplomacy through homestays and personal friendships, which makes them a perfect fit for a traditional German-inspired Christmas Market.
The Friendship Force of Greater Des Moines is a first-year participant in the Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction and will be adorning their tree with a “Joy to the World” theme. The tree will include 6 laminated heart shaped maps, world globes, pine cones, and an assortment of world flags.
The club hosts at least one activity a month related to a journey such as a Welcome Party for the ambassadors or cultural programs and social activities. Please visit their website for additional information and activities.
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Des Moines Children’s Museum
We would like to welcome back the Des Moines Children’s Museum for their second year with the Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction. They have chosen the charmed theme of Harry Potter to enchant us all this holiday season.
The Hogwarts Christmas tree will have an assortment of colorfully decorated wands, and iconic images from the Harry Potter universe. Bright garlands of house colors, a sorting hat, and a clever mischief managed tree skirt will help complete the magical tree.
“Des Moines Children’s Museum is a 501 (c)(3) that is all about the power of play,” explains co-founder, Julie Burtnette.
“Children learn when they play and having a local children’s museum in Greater Des Moines will benefit families now and in the future. DSM CM has a temporary location at Valley West Mall while it continues to educate and raise funds for a permanent location.”
Burtnette encourages everyone to check out their FaceBook page and website for upcoming events including a winter party, inaugural Giggle Gala and a family Valentine ’s Day party.
“Building the foundation of lifelong learning by promoting play is so much fun!”
Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Taysia Blue Rescue
The Christkindlmarket Des Moines Silent Auction has recruited a new participant this year, Taysia Blue Rescue.
“Taysia Blue Husky and Malamute Rescue is a 100% volunteer and foster based organization that pulls dogs from shelters where they are at risk of being euthanized,” explains representative Erica Hellmich.
“Taysia Blue Rescue also takes on Huskies and Malamutes that have medical issues such as Heartworm and orthopedic problems. We work hard to make sure that the dogs get to live happy healthy lives.”
They will be decorating a tribute tree to the dogs who have come through the rescue in 2018. It will feature paw prints, dogs’ photos, the rescue’s logo and other miscellaneous ornaments.
If you are interested in learning more about Taysia Blue Rescue, please visit their website.
Support DMEHA/CDM Through GiveIowa
We are thrilled to announce that Des Moines European Heritage Association will be GiveIowa’s selected charity for November 2018. Greater Iowa Credit Union (GICU) began GiveIowa to further its message of what being a cooperative is all about: helping the causes and non-profit organizations that are important to their/our members and coming together for the good of our communities.
What is GiveIowa?
GICU selects one member-nominated non-profit organization each month. They receive $250 directly from GICU and are featured on the GiveIowa.org website, a crowdfunding platform that allows donors to easily contribute via credit or debit card. Our goal is to raise an additional $250+ during the short 30 days we are featured on the site. Why $250? Because GICU will match it! That makes our total goal $500 in addition to the initial $250.
How can I help?
GiveIowa leverages the power of social connection to help raise money using our members’ social networks. Social media is a critical factor in crowdfunding success: for every order of magnitude increase in Facebook friends sharing your link (10, 100, 1000), the probability of successfully meeting your fundraising goals increases drastically (from 9% to 20% to 40%).
Contributors can donate as little or as much as they want—and the more donors, the more engage-ment a project gets. The GiveIowa platform allows people to work together, transforming many small contributions into overall fundraising success. This can really make a difference in our neighborhoods, communities, and cities as well as Des Moines European Heritage Association.
All funds collected by GiveIowa go to the featured charitable organizations—GICU covers any third-party credit card processing or other fees. Our organization will be featured by GiveIowa beginning on November 1. Visit www.GiveIowa.org to learn more about our specific fundraising goals, our progress and to make your donation.
Open Ceremony and Tree Lighting
Join us for the Christkindlmarket Des Moines Opening Ceremony and Tree Lighting. Listen to das Christkind deliver her festive proclamation to open the Christkindlmarket and see the large tree lit. The opening ceremony will begin at 6pm on Friday, November 30.
Joining us to flip the switch this year is Kathryn Kunert, Vice President of Economic Connections and Integration with MidAmerican Energy Company.
St. Nicholas will be accompanying das Christkind during the ceremony and they will both make a tour of the Christkindlmarket after the ceremony. Be sure to visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines on Saturday and Sunday from noon – 2pm for another chance to see the duo in action.
Children Needed for Opening Ceremony Procession
Children are an integral component of any Christkindlmarket opening ceremony. Would your child (children) like to follow das Christkind through Christkindlmarket Des Moines to the stage where they will watch the opening ceremony?
Contact Linda Muller at [email protected] with questions and interest. We would like at most 50 children to participate.
Children and parents are invited to gather in the East Entrance of Cap Square at 5:45pm on Friday, November 30, 2018, (please be on time) to receive a luminary and battery-operated candle. Please return the luminaries to a volunteer at the end of the opening ceremony if the child does not wish to take it home.
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.
A Passport to Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Creativity and exploration! It’s what being a kid is all about. If you didn’t make it to the Christkindlemarket Des Moines (CDM) KinderKorner last year, you might not have noticed the many free activities we provided to those willing to spare a few minutes. There was activity in particular that we offered all weekend to encourage kids and their families to experience the event.
Anyone that stopped by the KinderKorner was offered a CDM Passport. Though nowhere near as official as one you would use for international travel, it served to document young visitors’ progress in exploring the market.
The passport outlined four tasks and upon completion of each, participants received a stamp. A completed passport earned them a prize from the Information Table. The first task was to add a link to our holiday paper chain, a tradition dating back to the 1900s. Next, our market explorers received a stamp for participating in a KinderKorner lead activity, like marking a felt ornament, coloring a picture or learning a seasonal song. The third task required venturing to the hand painted wooden Christkind and St. Nicholas photo cutout to have a picture taken with friends or family. The final stamp was awarded once our brave explorers gathered the courage to ask a question at the Information Table.
Over the course of the event we had over 200 children take part, resulting in lots of smiles, loads of crafts and some legitimately interesting questions asked at the Information Table. For example, can YOU say “Happy Holidays” in six languages?
If you are considering coming to Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018, bring the kids! With all of our free performances and activities we are sure to keep you all entertained!
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.
Carpenters Local 106 | 2018 In-Kind Sponsor
The organizers of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 are proud to partner with Carpenters Local 106. Fabricated by Waukee and Johnston High Schools and stored at Centennial Warehouse, Carpenters Local 106 will again help us set up our wooden vendor stalls at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018. The following is from the Carpenters Local 106:
Why is this partnership Important:
Carpenters Local 106 has been a part of Des Moines Heritage for over 120 years. As Local 106 members, we strive to offer our skills to help build up the city and people of Des Moines. Many of our members have varying heritages and backgrounds including European heritage. Which they also value to continue their traditions.
How is Carpenters 106 involved in our communities:
Our members are very involved in the community in varies ways. Whether it be from coaching our kid’s sports teams or being a PTA member at their schools, or working closely with our church groups. As an organization we offer scholarships, donate to Toys-For-Tots, sponsor Jolly Holiday Lights and Iowa Heart are a few. Any opportunity we can to show off our specific skills and help with community projects like handy cap ramps or just helping out a friend or neighbor you can count on us.
Things people don’t know about Unions:
We are dedicated and fight to make sure the working class is protected, safe and getting what they deserve. Unions have provided very long and reliable sustaining careers, pensions and health benefits for so many people, for many of years. We value productivity, safety and craftsmanship. Our priority is education and providing it at no cost to our members.
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.
Signature Beer to be Brewed for Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 will again be working with Confluence Brewing Company to brew St. Nick’s Christkindlbier for #CDM2018.
Confluence brews 30 – 40 different beers each year. They often partner with area non-profits to help bring awareness to their cause through a unique and related recipe. Confluence cares about the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into making excellent beer, and knows that excellent beer can bring people together.
Through this partnership, you can look forward to:
- A Firkin’ tapping of our signature beer at #CDM2018 on Friday, November 30th at 4pm.
- Our signature beer available at retail locations prior to #CDM2018 and during the holiday season.
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.
DMEHA Receives Polk County Board of Supervisors Community Betterment Grant
In August, DMEHA was awarded the Community Betterment Grant Award by the Polk County Board of Supervisors and is happy to have their support. The Polk County Board of Supervisors offers this unique funding opportunity to community service organizations throughout Polk County. The Polk County Community Betterment Grant Program was designed to provide financial support to non-profit organizations that provide cultural, recreational, educational, and human needs services to citizens. Polk County has a rich history of partnering with public and private entities to provide effective programs and services to the community.
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.
DMEHA Receives Iowa Arts Council Cultural Heritage Project Grant
Des Moines European Heritage Association is pleased to announce that it has received an Cultural Heritage Project Grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Grant funds will support Yuletide Hall at Christkindlmarket Des Moines, November 30 – December 2, 2018.
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and its three divisions – the Iowa Arts Council, Produce Iowa-State Office of Media Production and the State Historical Society of Iowa – empower Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state. The department’s work enables Iowa to be recognized as a state that fosters creativity and serves as a catalyst for innovation where the stories of Iowa are preserved and communicated to connect past, present and future generations.
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.