Chicago, IL — February 8, 2022 — The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is taking inspiration from the history of their home in Lincoln Square for their annual fundraising gala. The gala will be held on Saturday, March 19th and will have a 1920s theme, hearkening back to when their building was first constructed in 1927 by German architect Paul Gerhardt.
Known as the “Roaring 20s” in the US and the “Golden 20s” in Germany, the 1920s was a time of brief prosperity and social change that lasted until the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Among the bold fashions, jazz music, cabaret dancing, and prohibition in the US, a new building arose in Lincoln Square. This building, originally built for the Three Links Association, now houses the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center. It is this glittering past, and the building’s 95th anniversary, that the DANK Haus will return to for their annual gala.
After an exceptionally hard two years due to the ongoing pandemic, the DANK Haus has been fortunate to turn challenges into opportunities. Last year’s gala was themed around the annual Maifest celebration that typically takes place in Lincoln Square but was canceled due to the pandemic. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the DANK Haus was fortunate to raise over $40,000 at that event. While the pandemic is still with us, so is the determination of organizations like the DANK Haus to not only survive, but to thrive despite the challenges these years have presented. By returning to the 1920s, the DANK Haus hopes to draw on its exceptional history to continue the enthusiasm for its future.
At the “Gin & Jazz in Berlin” Gala, you can expect to be transported back in time as you sit in our beautiful, historic ballroom listening to live jazz and sipping on a specially crafted cocktail. “This event is really a great opportunity to celebrate our history while we raise funds to secure our future,” says Executive Director Monica Jirak. All proceeds will benefit educational and cultural programs at the DANK Haus, your community cultural center since 1959!
We are so excited to share that this event will feature a delicious seated dinner by Food Network’s Hearty Boys, German beer provided by Dovetail Brewery, wine, and a signature gin cocktail with gin provided by Letherbee Distillers. The event will also feature live musical entertainment by a collection of all-star jazz musicians, a silent auction, and many more activities. Guests are encouraged to get into the 1920s spirit by dressing in the era’s memorable fashion! We are so happy to partner with Fantasy Costumes to provide discounted costume rental to our guests! If you're joining us for our gala be sure to stop through our selfie booth from DigiBooths!
This event is made possible by our generous sponsors including 53 Bank, Corkhill Insurance, The Gene and Rosemary Schulter Foundation, Cafe Selmarie, Dovetail Brewery, Binny’s Beverage Depot and Letherbee Distillers. We are still looking for additional sponsors to help offset the costs of this event. We are looking for both monetary and in-kind sponsorship and donations. If you are interested in sponsoring or donating for the event, please contact rosa@dankhaus.com.
The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is located at 4740 N. Western Avenue in the heart of the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. The cultural center is a cornerstone for German American culture and the community at large.
EVENT DETAILS
Gin & Jazz in Berlin Spring Gala
Date & Time: Saturday, March 19, 6:00-11:00pm
Locations: DANK Haus 5th Floor, Marunde Ballroom
Website:https://dankhaus.com/Gala
Details:http://events.handbid.com/auctions/gin-jazz-in-berlin-fundraiser-2022
About the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center
The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization committed to preserving and promoting German and German American culture, heritage, and language through maintaining a language school, museum, library, art gallery, and through educational and social programming. It is located in Chicago's historically German neighborhood, Lincoln Square. Core programming includes a German Language School for children and adults, rotating Fine Arts and Museum exhibits, monthly Open Haus, Kulturküche Cooking Classes, Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen, Public Event Viewing Parties, Oktoberfest and more. The DANK Haus is a core member of the Chicago Cultural Alliance – a consortium of ethnic museums, cultural centers and historical societies whose mission is to effect social change through cultural diversity
More information:www.dankhaus.com
