When life draws to a close, people need more than medical care. They need someone to be there, to listen, to hold their hand. Around 90 percent of people in Germany wish to die at home – in reality, only about 25 percent do. Outpatient hospice services such as the Hospizverein Bamberg help close this gap. They accompany seriously ill and dying people where they most want to be – at home – through voluntary work and donations. Together with the organizing team of the Weiherer Taubenmärkte, we at Brauerei Kundmüller have now donated €5,000 to the Hospizverein Bamberg. This amount consists of the proceeds from the Taubenmärkte (€2,717) and a contribution added by our brewery. “Hospice work is one of the most important tasks in our society,” explains our Managing Director Oswald Kundmüller. “When people find support, dignity, and comfort during the most difficult time of their lives, that is priceless. As a family business with over 150 years of tradition in the Bamberg region, we know that ‘home’ also means responsibility. We live here, we work here, and we want to give something back. Hospice care has been close to our hearts for many years – especially hospice care for children and young people. This donation is a sign of our deep connection to this important work.”
Tradition Meets Social Commitment: The Weiherer Taubenmärkte
The donation was made possible by a special Franconian tradition – the Weiherer Taubenmärkte. What was once a market where pigeons and other poultry were traded has evolved into a vibrant charity event. On three evenings each year, our brewery inn becomes a stage for lived solidarity: 36 tickets are sold for €1.50 each, a “lucky fairy” draws the winning ticket, and those in luck win homemade delicacies, home-baked cakes, or of course Weiherer beer. The event is accompanied by atmospheric live music, creating a true tavern atmosphere. “For us, the Taubenmarkt is much more than just an event,” emphasizes Rainer Birklein, co- organizer of the Taubenmärkte. “It’s an evening where people come together, have fun, and at the same time do something good. Every euro we collect goes directly to the hospice association. Last year’s Taubenmärkte raised €2,717. Brauerei Kundmüller generously rounded this up to €5,000. It shows that when everyone pulls together, great things can happen.”
‘Your Donation Is Incredibly Valuable’
For the Hospizverein Bamberg, this support is far more than just financial assistance. Silke Kastner, coordinator of the outpatient hospice service and palliative counseling, puts it into words: “Maintaining our services for seriously ill, dying, and grieving people – adults as well as children and young people – requires funding. People who need us rely on us. Through your donation, you are part of this. That is incredibly valuable.” Andreas Schmid, Executive Director of the Hospizverein Bamberg, adds: “Our cooperation with Brauerei Kundmüller and the Taubenmarkt team is of immeasurable value to us. It’s not just about the donation itself, but about the attitude behind it: commitment to people in our region, respect for life in all its phases, and a willingness to take responsibility. Having partners like these at our side means a great deal to us.”
Over €24,000 for the Region
The donation to the hospice association is part of our brewery’s broader social commitment. In 2025 alone, more than €24,000 went to clubs, sports associations, and non-profit organizations in the region – from the volunteer fire brigade and kindergartens to the hospice association. “We rely on regional raw materials, work with local craftsmen, and support people in our area,” explains Oswald Kundmüller. “The Bamberg region is our home. People here achieve great things, and without them, our home would not be what it is. We try to make full use of our opportunities and help as many organizations as possible.”
The Next Taubenmärkte: Join In and Do Good
The tradition continues: on three more evenings in February and March, the Weiherer Taubenmärkte will take place again this year – and everyone is invited to join in, celebrate, and support the hospice association. Admission is free, the atmosphere is unique, and the good cause is guaranteed.
