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Paying It Forward ActiveRain Style

By
Real Estate Agent with RLAH@Properties AB95346

 

Yesterday, I read a post that Anna Banana Kruchten wrote, My favorite - Pay it Forward.

Anna's post was about foster kids, especially what happens when they turn 18 - which is pretty outrageous!  And I was actually really outraged, leaving with a feeling that I really needed to do something.

And lo and behold!  An opportunity came up and bopped me on the head, right in my own office!

Evers & Company's Art Director, Piers Lamb, and his wife Jules run a non-profit that turns this couple into Mr. & Mrs. Claus to the many children in the DC foster care system.  

This weekend, there will be a fun event, Krampusnacht DC, to raise money to make sure that these youngsters will have a visit from Santa.  

So what is Krampuslauf anyway? 

Well, it's a myth designed to scare children into socially acceptable behavior.  It's an old tale from Alpine lore. On the eve of the Feast of Saint Nicholas  (December 5th), a beast-like creature was said to roam the streets, using rusty chains and bells to frighten children. St. Nicholas would show up, accompanied by several helpful attendants, one of which was the especially scary looking horned satyr.  His name Krampus. Whereas St. Nicholas rewarded well-behaved children with gifts, Krampus would capture particularly naughty children in his sack and carry them away to his den for punishment!

So on Saturday, December 3rd, you are invited to celebrate Washington's 5th Annual Krampuslauf.

This will be a light-hearted event where naughty and nice are blended.  It will be an evening of performance, dance, children’s activities, procession to the H Street sponsors, and, of course, a visit with Santa and Krampus! Mr. & Mrs. Claus will attend, of course, and will pose for your holiday photo needs and are here to receive donations of toys for the foster children of Family Matters of Greater Washington. The price of admission is a $10 donation or an unwrapped Christmas gift. And dress warmly, because much of the fun will take place in the courtyard of Gallery O at 1354 H St. NE, Washington, DC 20002.  The fun begins at 5 PM and lasts until 11!

If you can't make Kramuslauf and would like to support a wonderful cause, you can send a check made out to "Family Matters of Greater Washington" to Evers & Company Real Estate, c/o Piers Lamb, 4400 Jenifer St. NW, Washington, DC 20015.

Or maybe you'll join me in following Anna's example and find an organization in your community to help foster children have a wonderful holiday!

Comments (30)

Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Jeff, Piers is always full of surprises, and I loved the myth!

Nov 29, 2016 08:55 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Hannah, Family Matters is a great group. And they know how to put fun into fundraising!

Nov 29, 2016 08:57 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Rebecca, it's my Saturday Night date!

Nov 29, 2016 08:58 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Donna, we got an email just as I was thinking about checking out foster care groups here.

Nov 29, 2016 08:59 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

William, good for you and your wife!  That's how you have a fabulous Christmas!

Nov 29, 2016 09:00 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Chris Ann, I have to be sure to stay out of Krampus' way!

Nov 29, 2016 09:01 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Michael, Piers and Jules make a wonderful Claus couple!

Nov 29, 2016 09:02 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Myrl,  I wondered about that, then I realized that du-uh!  This guy is the King of Photoshop!

Nov 29, 2016 09:04 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Andrea, I'd heard that when children "age out" of the foster care system, it can be really rough.  I just didn't understand how rough!  

Nov 29, 2016 09:06 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Debbie, if all of us try to handle a little bit of the need, a lot of children will have a Merry Christmas.

Nov 29, 2016 09:07 PM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Patrica

Anna Banana Story comes from the heart.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Nov 29, 2016 09:39 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Patricia. Sounds like a wonderful event to watch or participate in.

Nov 30, 2016 03:39 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Lou, you're right!  I loved Anna's story because it was inspiring!

Nov 30, 2016 05:42 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Sheila, too bad my elf suit no longer fits me!

Nov 30, 2016 05:43 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That is awesome that the post from Anna Banana Kruchten tugged on your heart and then you were actually met with an opportunity to help with just such a thing!

Nov 30, 2016 06:35 AM
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

This challenge is all about inspiration and it sounds like Anna Banana Kruchten did her part to inspire you.  Very nice.  This sounds like a great event that will make a difference in the lives of many.

Nov 30, 2016 08:49 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Pat - I too was moved by Anna's post - I hadn't known what happens when those kids turn 18 - and it's a great cause. As for Krampus, I first learned aout him from Anthony Bourdain's totally outrageous and wonderful Christmas Special 3 years ago - if you haven't seen it, you should check it out.

Nov 30, 2016 11:27 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Brian, I'm so glad I read Anna's post!

Nov 30, 2016 08:57 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Belinda, and it goes on after the holidays.

Nov 30, 2016 08:59 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Dick, thatnks!  I'll check out the movie!

Nov 30, 2016 08:59 PM