Franklin students earn service hours, eat for free and have a blast while volunteering at Oktoberfest, which is the Deutsches Haus’ largest fundraiser and community event. Last year the event attracted 12,000 visitors and attendance is growing. The BFHS volunteer shifts are short, giving students ample time to enjoy live music and delicious German cuisine. Nagam Qanadilo, an exchange student from Jordan, enjoyed Oktoberfest so much that she signed up to volunteer every weekend. Emma Veith, a German II student, wore a Dirndl (traditional German dress) and said the food was “ausgezeichnet” (awesome)!
The president of the Deutsches Haus, Keith Oldendorf, received calls complimenting the Ben Franklin volunteers and applauding their efforts to support the Haus, which is in danger of being torn down to make way for a new biomedical complex. “Just letting people know that the Haus is here and a part of the community is the best way to preserve it,” said Mr. Oldendorf. “Having Franklin students involved is wonderful!”
BFHS and the Haus have a worked together before, cosponsoring the 2008 Frühlingsfeier (Spring Celebration) that raised scholarship money for falcons to travel abroad. So if you are looking for a fun, family, cultural event on Friday or Saturday in October, come celebrate at the Haus. More information on Oktoberfest or ways to SAVE THE HAUS are available at www.deutscheshaus.org.
Revised 10/7/2008
