Auction

On Thursday of Marty's spring break we got all dressed up and attended our first fundraising auction here in Germany.  It is a novel thing here - to raise funds for something or someone.  It is rare that when our friend Juli was setting it up she had some people look at her funny.  Why would I spend my money and time on something like this?  I pay my taxes.  The government takes care of all of that with my taxes.  Which is technically correct. This is her 2nd annual fundraiser for a great organization that helps very young mothers and their children called The Agape Tree.  Mostly all of their basics are covered by government programs - smart policy, right??- so she raises funds to do something special for them.  Last year it was to send the mothers and their children on a mini vacation, by train to the Baltic Sea.  One week without the stresses of life to bond together as little families.  This year she helped raise funds for a special program they are starting at this organization. 
It is so interesting how auctions and fundraisers from public education to helping with medical costs is SO incredibly common in the states and relatively unheard of in Germany. 
Other than raising a lot of money for a good cause, it was a fabulous night with great food and drink surrounded by some of our very favorite people here in Berlin.