Germantown Oktoberfest Names 2006 Designated Charity

GERMANTOWN, Maryland -- August 15, 2006 -- The 24th Germantown Oktoberfest, a family-oriented festival held each fall to benefit local organizations, is pleased to announce the Upper Montgomery Assistance Network as its 2006 designated charity.

The Upper Montgomery Assistance Network (UMAN) provides emergency financial assistance, education, and referral services to people in the community who are at risk of homelessness. UMAN helps families and individuals who live in the areas of Gaithersburg, Germantown and Derwood and are facing eviction, foreclosure or utility disconnection. UMAN helps all people regardless of race, religion, sex, age or national origin. More information about the non-profit can be found on www.uman-mc.org.

This year’s charity will receive a portion of the proceeds from the event and will also play an active role in the festival by staffing the “Build Your Own Scarecrow” activity, in which participants pay an activity fee to build life-sized scarecrows using straw and old clothes.

The 2005 designated charity, Stepping Stones Shelter, received a check for $5,000 from the festival planning committee and more than $1,000 in activity fees.

About Germantown Oktoberfest
The 2006 Germantown Oktoberfest will take place Saturday, October 7 at Ridge Road Park on Rt. 355 in Germantown, Maryland. The family-oriented event, which features arts and crafts, music and games, will begin at 11:00 am and end at dark with fireworks. Now in its 24th year, the Germantown Oktoberfest is the longest-running community event in Upper Montgomery County. Proceeds go to a local charity. To learn more, visit www.GermantownOktoberfest.org

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