Strong Commitment and Successful Charity Fundraising with a Long-Standing Tradition

In 1949, then–U.S. Consul General Sam E. Woods took the first step. At his invitation, donations were collected for the first time to help Munich’s needy population. The German-American Women’s Club, founded just a year earlier, was actively involved from the very beginning. Since then, this charitable event has taken place every year—up to the present day.

The walk to the Kaisersaal is already a special experience. It leads past enormous silver bowls used to collect generous donations, followed by the ascent up the wide stone staircase. Through massive double doors, guests enter the magnificent Kaisersaal—a magical moment! Your eyes are immediately drawn to the impressively long, festively set table stretching from the entrance all the way to the stage, adorned with silver candelabras and countless platters holding more than 4,000 canapés. At various tables, ladies pour fine tea from elegant silver pots. The size of the hall and its striking ceiling and wall paintings enhance the celebratory atmosphere. The Bavarian Police Orchestra provides the musical backdrop for the festive afternoon.

The event is held under the patronage of the Minister President of Bavaria, Dr. Markus Söder. His wife, Karin Baumüller-Söder, an honorary member of the GAWC, supports the event every year. Dr. Florian Herrmann, Head of the State Chancellery and Bavarian State Minister for Federal Affairs and Media, and Andrea Hellmann, President of the GAWC, welcome 500 invited guests as well as numerous dignitaries and members of the press and broadcast media.

Unfortunately, U.S. Consul General Dr. James Miller is unable to attend the Silver Tea today due to the ongoing budget negotiations in the United States. State Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann and President Andrea Hellmann expressed their sincere regrets in their remarks.

Susanne Ahrens, Chairlady of the Silver Tea, has taken care of everything tirelessly and lovingly, down to the smallest detail. For the 14th time, the entire organization is in her hands. She is deeply grateful to the many volunteers and club members who support the event—whether setting up, arranging the tables, or working in the Residence kitchen. There, she can rely on Sandra Hirschmann, Carolyn Berger, and many helping hands who have spent the entire day preparing vast quantities of canapés for the guests’ enjoyment. Fourteen apprentices from the Munich Marriott Hotels volunteer in the Kaisersaal to attend to the guests.

Charity

The GAWC currently supports 13 charitable organizations in Munich and the surrounding area.

This year, we are fortunate to be able to present two donation checks of €10,000 each for charitable purposes.

The first €10,000 will go to the nonprofit organization Der Weiße Ring, which advocates for victims of crime. With numerous local branches established throughout Germany and its close cooperation with the police and the press, its assistance reaches people directly and individually. Silvia Niedermeier, founder and longtime director of the Freising branch, accepts the check on behalf of her region. The presentation is made by actor Udo Wachtveitl, who embodies values such as responsibility, justice, and humanity through his decades-long role as chief inspector in the TV series Tatort.

Another €10,000 will support the nonprofit organization FortSchritt Bayern gGmbH. In 1994, Hanni and Peter von Quadt founded a parent initiative to provide children with disabilities the best possible developmental opportunities through conductive education—based on motivation and joy, humanity, togetherness, trust, and allowing time. Under the leadership of their daughter, Tatjana von Quadt, FortSchritt Bayern—organized as a gGmbH since 2001—now operates more than 30 inclusive preschools, therapeutic and special education facilities, specialized services, and training programs.

Living German-American Friendship

As President Hellmann says in her welcome address: “The German-American Women’s Club sees itself as a bridge between the U.S. and Germany — a place for dialogue, friendship, and mutual understanding. Especially in times of rapid global change, this friendship is of particular importance — not just as a symbol, but as an expression of our active commitment to our shared values: freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and humanitarian action.”

Shared values are also nurtured through the German-American student exchange program — in place since 1957.

The Atmosphere

Guests from politics, business, and society always enjoy coming together at the Silver Tea. The pleasure of friendly encounters is unmistakable. Lively conversations, spontaneous meetings, and exchanges take place throughout the hall. The shared experiences and impressions move people and give them pause for thought.

State Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann remarked fittingly: “The German-American Women’s Club has been committed since 1948 both to transatlantic friendship and to helping people in need or facing social hardship. The traditional Silver Tea is a stabilizing anchor in challenging times, fully in line with the American spirit of charity. We share democracy, human rights, and common fundamental values with the United States. This also includes the idea that those with strong shoulders help carry others. My heartfelt thanks to all donors this evening whose generosity supports the work of the German-American Women’s Club.”

After the check presentation to Der Weiße Ring, former Tatort detective Udo Wachtveitl spontaneously took the microphone and expressed his pleasure that “after 35 years and 100 cases, I can finally also focus on the victims’ perspective, because victims are often forgotten.”

It is likely this sense of responsibility that makes the atmosphere at the Silver Tea so special.

See you next year ...

On November 5, 2024, the 73rd Silver Tea of the German-American Women’s Club took place in the festively decorated Kaisersaal of the Munich Residenz. Among the approximately 500 invited guests were numerous notable figures from politics, business, and culture who came together to experience an impressive evening dedicated to solidarity and support.

The highlight of the charity event was the presentation of a check at the amount of €10,000 to the nonprofit organization RETLA. RETLA is especially committed to the well-being and appreciation of the elderly. Loneliness in old age is a major issue that often goes unnoticed in our society. "Togetherness is not as valued and nurtured as it was decades ago," said actress Michaela May, a long-time patron of RETLA. She received the check from Club President Andrea Hellmann and Silver Tea organizer Susanne Ahrens and celebrated the club's generous support together with RETLA founder and board member Judith Prem.