Frequently Asked Markt & Gala Questions

KINDERKLAUS MARKT

WHAT IS KINDERKLAUS MARKT?

It is Kindervelt’s annual bazaar held in November. This is a citywide project which allows the groups to come together in a fun and festive event to raise funds for Cincinnati Children’s. This event started in 1975 as a showcase for handmade crafts to sell to the public. The crafts were made by our members. This event puts Kindervelt in the public spotlight just as the holiday season begins.

HOW CAN MY BUSINESS SPONSOR THIS EVENT?

Sponsorship is easy and rewarding! Kindervelt is constantly seeking various levels of sponsorship to make this event fantastic. Contact Beth regarding the willingness of your company to sponsor this event!

WHO IS A MARKT REPRESENTATIVE?

She is the liaison between the Markt Steering Committee and her own group. She is responsible for keeping her group informed of all Markt activities and policies. She also coordinates her group’s participation in Markt. She attends two workshops during the year.

WHAT IS THE MARKT STEERING COMMITTEE AND HOW CAN YOU BECOME A MEMBER?

The Markt Steering Committee is led by the Markt chair. She has a committee of approximately 24 people to hold different positions on the committee. To become a part of the Markt Steering Committee, the member should let the Markt chair and/or the nominating committee knows that she is interested. There is a form to fill out and return to the nominating chair. This form is available on the web site and is published in the newsletter during the months of November and December.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP AT THE MARKT?

On the group level you can ask your Markt rep. She will have a list of jobs from the Markt personnel chair in September and October. These jobs will include helping out as storefront manager, merchandise table staffer, checkout, setup during Markt week or takedown after the close of Markt. The possibilities are endless. Just let it be known you want to help out.

ARE THERE MERCHANDISE “EXCLUSIVES” AT THE MARKT?

No. If more than one group wishes to make an item, that’s fine. However, groups will have the opportunity, through the Markt merchandise/inventory chairman, to review pricing, quantity, etc.

WHY DO KINDERVELT GROUPS HAVE TO SUBMIT MARKT MERCHANDISE FORMS?

These forms are for your own protection (just as the project forms are for your own protection). Needless to say, everyone wants to sell every item taken to the Markt. After you have submitted a form, the Markt merchandise/inventory chairman can let you know if you are the only group making an item or if several groups are making the same item or something similar. Your group has the choice to proceed with the item, compare pricing, materials, etc. with the other group(s) or decide to do another item. The choice is decided by your group. The form also helps us to have an inventory record of the merchandise to be sold, and after Markt closes, a count of what did sell.

WHAT IS WREATH AFFAIR AND WALK OF TREES?

Wreath Affair – Markt Steering Committee provides artificial green wreaths and grapevine wreaths to the groups to decorate. These wreaths are then sold by silent auction to the highest bidder. Some wreaths are sold at the Kindervelt Gala and others are for Markt Day. For the past two years there have been decorated wall pockets in addition to the wreaths. Decorated fireplace mantels have also been included as silent auction items from the groups for Markt Day.

Walk of Trees – This area is for beautifully decorated trees the group provides. The trees range from table top trees to trees as tall as 7-foot or taller. The trees sometimes have a theme such as sports, wine, fishing, or a children’s theme. These trees are also sold as silent auction items, the same as the wreaths. Some trees are for Kindervelt Gala evening and others for Markt Day.

WHAT IS THE SHOWCASE OF TREES?

This is a recent addition to the Kindervelt Gala evening. These trees are purchased in advance for a specific amount. On Gala evening the buyer of the tree is entered into a lottery event to pick the tree they would like to have. The buyer is able to pull a number and based on the number drawn they are in line to pick a tree. Example: Buyer that has the number one will choose their tree first; number two will choose second, etc. until all of the trees have been picked.

WHAT IS THE KINDERVELT GALA?

The name Kindervelt Gala was incorporated with the 29^th Kinderklaus Markt. In previous years the event was called the Preview Party. Originally, it was a way to thank the Markt reps for all of their hard work during the year to prepare for Markt Day. It allowed everyone to relax, enjoy the evening and view the wonderful merchandise. As the years passed, Preview Party became more of a formal/black tie evening for Kindervelt members as well as non-Kindervelt members. Incorporating silent auction items, a live auction, games, music, food and fun, the evening has become a wonderful, exciting event. This has allowed Kinderklaus Markt to give more dollars to Cincinnati Children’s at our Annual Meeting.