| The Danube Swabian Foundation of the U.S.A., Inc. Die Donauschwaebische Stiftung der USA, Inc. |
| Wow!! What an exciting year for your Foundation. Much debate, planning and good fortune have rounded out this year. This Labor Day, the rebranding of the foundation began with a national button that can be worn by everybody – Do You Stiftung? Many were bought for whatever donation people considered fair, many were worn for pride and fun, many were worn to spark a conversation about what exactly it is that the Stiftung is and does. Your foundation directors can easily get you a button if you have not yet had the opportunity to get one. Monies have been granted to assist in the printing costs of a newly translated, to English, historic novel entitled, Der grosse Schwabenzug. This important book should be considered a family heirloom as it gives an early perspective of the Schwaben story. We appreciate the efforts of the Walters in making it a fund- raising opportunity. Look for more details closer to the book’s release date. The Directors have decided to continue the support of Ann Morrison’s work, Many Cried No One Listened. Much consideration went into the sensitive nature of the human story, the business prospects of investing in this project and the legal issues. Everyone agrees that this story needs to be told and the Foundation’s officer have taken every step including hiring a lawyer to review the legal aspects and protect our members and interests. Furthermore, Ann Morrison has suggested a business opportunity in the sale of the DVD, where the costs of the final purchase could be recouped. The DVD series is something that every member will want to own. In a combined effort with the Landnesverband, monies were granted to 25 people to explore our Schwaben culture by attending a Welttreffen in Harkany, Hungary. Reports shared by those who attended unanimously conclude that this was money well spent at many levels. The participants from the U.S.A. were introduced to Schwaben from Canada, Brazil, and throughout Europe. All in attendance came home with a much deeper appreciation and pride of their culture. They all agree activities of this sort will attract continued enthusiasm for our culture and will build and foster leadership in the next generation. (See attached report) Good fortune is shining in our direction. Thanks to a generous bequeath from a donor in Canada, The Foundation is set to receive a sizable amount of money sometime in the near future. The Directors are appreciative of the thoughtfulness of this donor and hope that many other families will remember the Foundation with a gift, no matter what amount, in their wills as well. The money this organization receives is used only to promote learning and involvement in our traditions and culture. Each year nearly $20,000 is granted for sport, German schools, dance, cultural ventures and travel. This is only possible with your continued donations. On a personal note, I would like to wish all the clubs and their members a wonderful holiday season and extend an open door next year for suggestions and opportunities as exciting as what we have had this year. Froeliche Weinachten Eddie Tullius, Foundation President ****************************************************************** This past summer, 25 members of our Landesverband (both youth group members and adults) traveled to Harkany, Hungary for the Welttreffen 2011. Debbie Tullius very generously authored a full report of the activities and events which took place over a span of 12 days. We are proud to share that report with you in our Christmas Greetings! See page 3 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |