In the vibrant heart of Europa-Park, where cheers and laughter fill the air, the legacy of a remarkable woman continues to cast an inspiring shadow. That woman, Selmeli Ratti, stood at the park's gates nearly half a century ago, setting an extraordinary precedent that endures today. Thanks to the commitment of Daniel Sarti and the association "Grossartix", voices of gratitude will once again echo through the park's alleyways.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
On September 19th of this year, Daniel Sarti, an admirer of Ratti and her work, led a delegation of around 40 individuals from the institution “Wohn – und Arbeitsintegration Bernhardsberg” to Europa-Park. This was a revival of a journey that Selmeli Ratti first embarked on in 1976, just one year after the park's inauguration. With a bus full of hopeful children, she reached the park, and driven by her determination, requested a meeting with its then-owner,
Roland Mack. Her goal? To grant the children a day of free fun and joy. She succeeded.
Ratti's relationship with Europa-Park wasn’t just a one-off gesture. From 1976 to 2004, she initiated a total of 545 trips to Rust, enabling countless children, teenagers, and seniors to experience the magic of Europa-Park, who otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford a visit. But the trips didn't end with Ratti. As of the recent excursion under the "Grossartix" banner, there have been 653 such expeditions with over 32,000 grateful participants.
A Legacy That Endures
However, Ratti's dedication wasn’t confined to the park alone. In her hometown of Basel, she was a mother figure to 40 children she adopted from challenging backgrounds and raised. Her social commitment was recognized by Europa-Park as well when they named her an honorary citizen in 1998. The
«Selmeli-Gässli», a path in a Valais village, was named in her honor in 2000 and stands as further testimony to her enduring impact.
The bond between Ratti and the Mack family remained strong. Inspired by her generosity, the Mack family launched the
“Frohe Herzen” initiative, through which over a million underprivileged individuals have been invited to the park. Roland Mack shared his sentiments: "Selmeli Ratti is an integral part of Basel's history and the autumn fair. Her dedication and commitment were unparalleled, and it's heartening to see Daniel Sarti continue this tradition."
This fall season, Daniel Sarti, in tribute to Ratti, will be selling popcorn at Petersplatz in Basel to fund more trips to Europa-Park. A testament that Selmeli Ratti's vision and dedication will continue to touch and transform lives.
Support and Further Information
Those wishing to support the project or learn more can find detailed information and donation opportunities on the
«Grossartix» website. It's a tale of generosity that continues to touch hearts and inspire generations of park-goers.
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