30 years of help for homeless people
Frank Zander's Christmas dinner celebrates anniversary
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Frank Zander celebrates the 30th anniversary of his Christmas charity event for homeless and needy – and his return after serious illness. Around 2500 guests are provided by prominent temporary customers in the evening with goose legs and red cabbage.
Frank Zander has several reasons to celebrate this year: For the 30th time, the Berlin singer will organize his traditional Christmas dinner for homeless and needy in the Hotel Estrel in the Berlin district of Neukölln on Saturday. But it is also a return for Zander: Last winter, the 82-year-old was seriously ill in the clinic and could only be there by video message. In previous years, the food took place with food trucks because of the corona pandemic.
In the personal greeting of the approximately 2500 guests, Frank Zander is supported by his son Marcus and his grandson Elias. The 82-year-old told the “RBB” that it will be a very emotional evening for him: “I hope my voice will hold.”
Recovery according to head surgery
Zander was hospitalized in mid -December 2023 due to a so -called hydrocephalus (pent -up brain fluid). In January 2024 he had to undergo an operation on the head. After the operation there was a monthly recovery process.
In October 2024 the singer expressed himself optimistically: “Now I'm back for people.” There is already a new project. At the end of October, Zander's newly founded foundation opened its own café for those in need in Berlin in cooperation with Caritas.
Because of the devastating attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, a minute's commemorative minute is also planned. Zander underlined in view of the events: “Our celebration should send warmth to the world.”
Zander is looking forward to celebrity waiter
The Christmas dinner in the Hotel Estrel organized Frank Zander for the first time in 1995. A total of around 3000 goose legs, 6,500 dumplings, 850 kg red cabbage and 250 liters of sauce are served every year.
In addition to numerous companies as sponsors, celebrities also offer their help in serving every year, including Marianne Rosenberg and Nino de Angelo. Frank Zander is particularly looking forward to one this year: Hertha BSC President Fabian Drescher will be a waiter. “I hope he has comfortable shoes on, because the hall in the estrle is large and we expect around 2500 homeless and needy people we will host,” said Zander.