Drake University Sponsors Christkindlmarket Des Moines
Des Moines European Heritage Association is pleased to announce that the Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016 Christmas Tree will be sponsored by Drake University. For those of you familiar with European-style Christmas markets, you’ll know that the Christmas tree is an integral focal point of these event and a long-standing tradition.
The mission of Drake University’s Department of World Languages and Cultures is to provide students with opportunities to develop functional competence in a language other than English and to foster the development of globally responsible students.
In doing so, they emphasize the development of speaking skills, cultural understanding, and responsible global citizenship. Their students also focus on all other aspects of developing language skills for communicative purposes. Many of their students study abroad, obtain employment with companies that have international interests, earn scholarships, and attend graduate school in areas that incorporate their language abilities.
They currently offer courses in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Students who study abroad and complete their certificate program are able to obtain transcriptable evidence of their cultural and linguistic competence. Those interested in teaching a language can obtain an endorsement through Drake’s School of Education. Students who excel in their language studies are also able to join a national honor society that recognizes their excellence and actively promotes language learning in a variety of ways throughout the academic year. Many languages also have weekly conversation tables available even for those not enrolled in classes.
We are proud to partner with Drake University to produce Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2016!
As a grassroots non-profit, Des Moines European Heritage Association serves as a platform to carry on European traditions, support language education and to create cultural awareness. We are a resource for Iowans, immigrants, travel enthusiasts and international business professionals to connect with European cultural heritage and for cultural organizations who want to engage with their members in a cohesive and centralized manner.
Call for Sponsors
A small group of inspired and dedicated volunteers have been working tirelessly since January 2014 to not only form a non-profit (Des Moines European Heritage Association), but to prove to the City of Des Moines that we have an event worth producing. And they agree with us!
This is where you come in! For this event to be successful, we need the financial support of individuals and organizations that value culture, heritage, diversity, their local community and local businesses. Opportunities start at $50 at the “Friends of Christkindlmarket Des Moines” level and go on up to “Presenting Sponsor”.
If you’re familiar with Christmas Markets around the world, you know that the vendor stalls/huts add such a wonderful feeling to the event. There are several opportunities to sponsor the fabrication of a stall/hut…at least 20 opportunities! The great thing is that the stalls/huts will last for many years to come. We’re working with the Waukee High School Industrial arts program to design and build all of the stalls; we just need to cover the cost of the materials.
Please call Suzanne (515-250-6366) or send her an email to learn more!