#9 The Danish Pioneer’s Countdown to Christmas 2013: Give the Gift of WIND-Spiration This Year

What can you get for someone who has everything? How about a gift of WIND-Spiration?

One of the most heartwarming and majestic sights when you drive into the Danish Village of Elk Horn in western Iowa is the Danish Windmill.

According to the Danish Windmill’s 2013 winter catalog mailing, it has been nearly forty years since the 165-year-old windmill from Nørre Snede, Denmark was brought to Elk Horn. The windmill has become a part of Elk Horn’s culture and the windmill helps the village’s economy. In 2012, the Mill greeted over 60,000 travellers. The estimated average spending on lodging, entertainment, transportation, food and shopping generated an economic impact of over $6.6 million to the area’s economy.

But it takes more than wind to keep the mill turning. And it takes not only the local community in Elk Horn but the Danish community & friends around the United States and the world to help preserve and protect this Danish cultural treasure. As it states in the Windmill catalog, “Just like the heirloom collectibles in our catalog, the Danish Windmill is fragile and requires tender loving care to preserve and protect it from falling into disrepair. There has never been a time when philanthropic support was more needed or could be felt as strongly as today.”

The Danish Windmill would welcome a gift of any amount. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Ways you can help The Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa this holiday season:

1. Give a Gift a Wind-Spiration (see the information and form available on the www.danishwindmill.com website). The Danish Windmill has launched a campaign to raise funds to pay off the balance of the mortgage loan on the Windmill. This will … (1) Save thousands of dollars each year in interest expense (2) Improve the Mill’s cash flow during the off peak seasons for tourist traffic and gift shop purchases (3) Invest in the preservation and upkeep of the 165-year-old mill, rather than make a monthly mortgage payment.

2. Consider becoming an Annual Member of the Danish Windmill ($10 Per Year). See under “Mill Membership” at www.danishwindmill.com. Join the Mill Team! $10 Annual Membership saves 10% on all your purchases.

3. Consider becoming a Life Member of the Danish Windmill or Give a Life Membership to someone as a gift ($100). See under “Mill Membership” at www.danishwindmill.com. Life Members will have their names engraved and placed on a plaque, will receive 10% discount on Windmill giftshop purchases, unlimited free admission through the Windmill and much more! Danish Windmill members are dedicated to preserving and bringing the Mill to life to stand as a valuable historical resource and a tribute to America’s rural cultural ethnic heritage. The mill’s goal is to create a working example of life in an earlier time, providing a rare glimpse into the past when thousands of Windmills were scattered about the Denmark countryside. 

4. Purchase items from the Danish Windmill Gift Shop. (Proceeds from catalog or gift shop purchases also support the programs and upkeep of the Windmill Museum). Visit www.danishwindmill.com.

Please tell Lisa Riggs, the Danish Windmill Manager, that you heard about The Danish Windmill from The Danish Pioneer Newspaper.

You can also contribute directly to the Danish Windmill Endowment Fund by sending a check to the Danish Mill Corporation, P.O. Box 245, 4038 Main Street, Elk Horn, Iowa 51531 or call 712-764-7472 with any questions.

Please consider a new tradition by including the Danish Windmill in your charitable plans this year and in the future.

Thanks for helping to preserve and protect The Danish Windmill – a piece of Denmark close to home!

Happy Holidays and THANK YOU!

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