Couture for a Cure 2025

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Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of fashion, science, and philanthropy as Couture for a Cure celebrates its 20th anniversary on Oct. 9, at Van Andel Institute.

Co-hosts Carol Van Andel and Rebecca Wierda invite you to view the newest fashion trends from the luxury specialists at Leigh’s, along with a unique program commemorating 20 years of merging the runway with research. Artistry will bring the latest in makeup, showcasing modern, stunning looks.

The evening will feature an exclusive presentation from this year’s featured designer, Max Alexander. Born in 2016, Alexander holds the Guinness World Record for youngest runway fashion designer. In 2020, he announced to his family that he was a dressmaker, and after polishing his design, draping, and sewing skills, launched his own label: Couture to the Max.

Couture to the Max is a youthful and trendsetting label focused on highlighting the female form. In addition to dresses, Alexander’s new work includes couture scarves, blankets, kimonos and jackets. Alexander’s inspiration remains, with a goal of “making all women, of all sizes and shapes, feel beautiful.”

Along with stunning fashion, enjoy a strolling cocktail hour, a chance auction and live entertainment from DJ AB. Guests will receive exclusive gift bags featuring a Leigh’s gift card and exclusive items from Artistry and event sponsors.

Suggested attire for the evening is cocktail attire. Complimentary valet parking at the main entrance.

Max Alexander holds the Guinness World Record for the Youngest Runway Fashion Designer in the World and has captivated audiences worldwide as a social media sensation. Born in 2016 in LosAngeles, California, to a Canadian father and an American mother, Max declared at just four years old that he was a dressmaker. He quickly learned to sew, completed over fifty dresses, staged his first runway show, and launched his brand, Couture to the Max.

Since then, Max has designed commissioned pieces for a global and celebrity clientele, including clients in Germany, France, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. His creations have been worn by Hollywood icons such as Sharon Stone and Debra Messing. Expanding beyond dresses, his line now features couture suits, scarves, bathing suits, and jackets.

Max is passionate about sustainability and has become increasingly focused on the environmental impact of fast fashion. He advocates for reusing materials and incorporating sustainable fabrics into his designs. In 2024, he spoke at the United Nations, urging designers and industry leaders to embrace more eco-conscious practices. His latest collection is crafted entirely from recycled coffee bean bags, which he hand-dyed using natural pigments.

As Max grows, so does his dedication to fashion, sewing, philanthropy and haute couture. Currently in third grade, he balances school with his career and is already saving for his first apartment in New York City.

Thank you to our incredible 2025 sponsors! 

Ada Hotel Package
Enjoy a one-night stay at the Ada Hotel, located in the heart of Ada Village. While there, savor a meal at one of the signature restaurants, Rix or The Post Tavern, and experience the warmth of the community.
Value: $500

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel – Bed, Bottle & Beef
Enjoy dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a bottle of premium wine and an overnight stay at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
Value: $500

Artistry Beauty Package
Refresh and radiate with this complete Artistry package! Includes the Go Vibrant Collection for cheeks, lips and eyes, plus the Artistry Labs Illuminating System for healthy, glowing skin. Complete your routine with the Hydrating Skin Nutrition Package: mousse cleanser, eye gel cream, gel cream and day lotion with SPF 30. A must-have for beauty and skincare lovers!
Value: $735

Bailey Pave Earring Duo from Kendra Scott
Add timeless sparkle to your jewelry collection with this stunning earring set from Kendra Scott. The Bailey Pave Black Pendant Earrings bring a touch of elegance with their bold yet refined design, perfectly complemented by the chic and versatile Bailey Pave Huggie Earrings. Whether worn together for a statement look or separately for everyday sophistication, this duo is sure to become a favorite. Generously donated by the Kendra Scott Jewelry Collection.
Value: $130

BrightWave Therapy Package
This package includes 10 Class IV Laser sessions designed to support your body’s natural wellness. Treatments are provided using FDA-approved technology.
Value: $650

Cheeky Strut Haircare Box
Give your hair the star treatment with this cheeky-chic package! Featuring R+Co’s newest luxury line, Bleu, this salon-exclusive set brings runway-worthy shine and style straight to your bathroom. Inside you’ll find shampoo, conditioner, mousse, hairspray and a leave-in conditioning mist — everything you need for fabulous, head-turning hair.
Value: $228

Custom Style Experience with Leigh’s
Leigh’s will treat you and three friends to an exclusive in-store experience. Start off with makeup artists who will pamper you with a skincare consultation and makeup application as you enjoy refreshments. Next, you will meet with one of Leigh’s buyers for a private overview of the season’s hottest trends and see how they can be incorporated into your own personal style. Leigh’s has generously included four $100 gift cards so your group can shop to your heart’s content! Best of all, 10 percent of what you spend will benefit Van Andel Institute!
Value: $1,500

DJ Party with AB
DJ services for a three-hour dance party. Limited to one setup location within a 30-minute travel time from Grand Rapids. Subject to availability. Excludes: Saturdays, weddings, and ticketed or public events.
Value: $2,500

Funky Buddha Yoga Package
Stretch, breathe and unwind with a full month of unlimited yoga at any three studio locations! This package also includes two funky, themed stickers to bring some extra fun to your practice. Just bring your certificate to the studio, and their friendly staff will get you started. Certificate expires Oct. 23, 2026, if unused.
Value: $155

Gina’s Boutique Shopping Party Package
Host a private shopping party at Gina’s Boutique, where you and your guests will enjoy a fun and stylish evening. As the winning bidder, you’ll receive a chic purse and a gift card to spend on your favorite pieces during the party. Fashion, friends and fabulous finds all in one unforgettable package!
Value: $200

The Lark – Wine Bar of Ada Experience
Indulge in a luxurious getaway with the ultimate Ada experience. This package includes a one-night stay at the charming Ada Hotel, accompanied by an Ada Hotel candle to take the ambiance home. Savor two carefully selected bottles of wine from The Lark – Wine Bar of Ada and enjoy a gift card to The Lark, perfect for a memorable evening of fine wine and local flavors. A perfect blend of relaxation, indulgence and small-town charm!
Value: $550

Luxeire Wardrobe Package
Elevate your wardrobe with Luxeire, where elegance meets performance. Designed for women who refuse to compromise, Luxeire’s pieces are flattering, breathable and machine washable — perfect for boardrooms, errands or weekend getaways. This exclusive auction package includes a $500 Luxeire gift card, giving you the freedom to select the wardrobe staples that best fit your style and lifestyle. Experience clothing that moves with you and makes getting dressed effortless.
Value: $500

The Parlour at CityFlatsHotel Gift Card & Product Set
Treat yourself to a luxurious salon experience at The Parlour inside CityFlatsHotel. This package includes a $50 gift card to be used toward services of your choice, along with a premium product set to keep you feeling pampered long after your visit. Perfect for a little self-care or as a thoughtful gift!
Value: $232

The Pickleball Fan Package
Everything a pickleball fan could want, packed in one stylish tote! This set includes two Holbrook MAV Pro paddles, two sets of Holbrook pickleballs, baseball hat, visor, sporty socks, notepad, cocktail napkins, YETI cooler and beverage stirrers … all with a pickleball twist! Perfect for the court, the clubhouse or just showing off your love for the game!
Value: $500

Radiant Confidence: Facial balancing package with Meredith Kent, PA-C
Refresh, refine and restore your natural beauty with this exclusive Facial Balancing Package from Skin CoLAB, valued at $1,500. Enjoy a personalized consultation with expert aesthetic provider Meredith Kent, PA-C, who will design a tailored treatment plan to help you look and feel your best. This curated experience ensures the perfect selection of products to achieve harmonious, confidence-boosting results.

Exclusions: Non-transferable. No cash value.
Value: $1,500

Siren & Proper: Style + Beauty Essentials
Treat yourself to the best of Siren & Proper! This package includes a $350 gift card, a chic coffee mug, and luxe brow brushes — everything you need to shop, sip, and glow in style. Perfect for fashion and beauty lovers looking to elevate their everyday.
Value: $350

Tanaz Spa & Salon Experience
Enjoy a day of pampering with a European facial, blowout, haircut, manicure and pedicure at Tanaz Hair Boutique & Day Spa.
Value: $286

Urban You Pamper Party for 6
Treat yourself and up to five friends to an exclusive spa and wellness experience! This VIP package includes expert skincare lessons, express facials, vitamin shots and personalized consultations with special event pricing. Enjoy luxurious treatments, exclusive discounts and a complimentary year of Jeuveau neurotoxin for the host. Wine and appetizers complete this indulgent and unforgettable experience.
Value: $5,500

Butterflies on Aster

30″ x 36″ | Signed by the artist
A vibrant composition alive with motion and color, Butterflies on Aster captures a joyful scene of nature in bloom. Joel Schoon-Tanis’s expressive brushwork and layered hues convey both energy and harmony, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar.
About the Artist
For more than 30 years, Joel Schoon-Tanis has been a working artist based in Holland, Michigan. His creative portfolio includes murals painted around the world — including Kenya, Germany and the Dominican Republic — as well as a wide range of paintings held in both public and private collections. Schoon-Tanis has also written and illustrated several books, and in 2016 one of his images was presented to the Pope. He continues to explore color, storytelling, and imagination through his work.
Value: $2,500 | Starting bid: $1,500

DORMIE NETWORK PACKAGE

Enjoy a 1-year membership and initiation fee with Dormie Network, a national network of golf clubs combining the experience of destination golf with the premier hospitality of private membership! It’s pure golf as it should be. Dormie Network membership extends complete access to, and full member privileges at every club in the network. Each club offers an intimate, pure golf experience in a relaxing environment ideal for business or leisure. This package includes full member privileges at the six private clubs: • ArborLinks Golf Club (Nebraska City, NE) • Ballyhack Golf Club (Roanoke, VA) • Briggs Ranch Golf Club (San Antonio, TX) • Dormie Club (West End, NC) • Hidden Creek Golf Club (Egg Harbor Township, NJ) • Victoria National Golf Club (Newburgh, IN) Each club offers challenging and expeditious play and pristine course conditions, with genuine hospitality at every turn. From Arnold Palmer to Coore and Crenshaw, Dormie Network’s nationally ranked clubs include designs from some of the most renowned course architects in the sport’s history. With close proximity to major cities like San Antonio, Omaha, Roanoke, Nashville, St. Louis, Richmond, and Philadelphia, these premier clubs are ideal for weekend getaways, buddy trips, and corporate retreats alike. The winning bidder will have the option to continue their membership after one year with no additional initiation fee required. Valid for 1 person.
Value: $30,000 | Starting bid: $10,000

Max Alexander Package

Experience the artistry of Max Alexander with this exclusive three-piece package.

• The Angel Puffer – A one-of-a-kind jacket crafted from dead-stock gold lamé fabric and lined with ultra-soft faux fur, inspired by the jacket Max wore at the United Nations. The display jacket is a Medium, but the auction winner can request a custom size for the perfect fit.
• Heart Logo Women’s T-Shirt – Made from 100% American Grown Supima® Cotton, this black t-shirt features the embroidered “Heart Logo” design by Max Alexander. Free from toxic dyes and formaldehyde, it includes a double-needle stitched neck, printed neck label for comfort, and is handmade in Peru.
• Limitless Necklace – Handcrafted rhodium-plated sterling silver necklace with diamond-cut zircon accents. Each charm is hand-etched by Max Alexander, symbolizing possibility, belonging, and love. Adjustable 18-inch chain makes it a unique keepsake collectible.
  Value: $430 | Starting Bid: $215

Rueben Antonio Floral & Design: Group Floral Design Class In. The. Garden.

Enjoy a two-hour floral design class with 10 people courtesy of Rueben Antonio Floral & Events. Charcuterie and sparkling wine by Mijanne. Hosted In. The. Garden.
Value: $2,500 | Starting Bid: $1,250

Trees on Lake Michigan

30″ x 36″ | Signed by the artist
Inspired by the Michigan shoreline, Trees on Lake Michigan highlights Schoon-Tanis’s ability to merge structure with spontaneity. The work’s vivid tones and stylized forms evoke both the familiarity and wonder of the natural landscape.
About the Artist
For more than 30 years, Joel Schoon-Tanis has been a working artist based in Holland, Michigan. His creative portfolio includes murals painted around the world — including Kenya, Germany and the Dominican Republic — as well as a wide range of paintings held in both public and private collections. Schoon-Tanis has also written and illustrated several books, and in 2016 one of his images was presented to the Pope. He continues to explore color, storytelling, and imagination through his work.
Value: $2,500 | Starting bid: $1,500

A Woods with Birch Trees

30″ x 36″ | Signed by the artist
This colorful forest scene reflects Joel Schoon-Tanis’s distinctive approach to composition and texture. The bold brushwork and rich palette capture the energy of nature while maintaining a sense of balance and calm.
About the Artist
For more than 30 years, Joel Schoon-Tanis has been a working artist based in Holland, Michigan. His creative portfolio includes murals painted around the world — including Kenya, Germany and the Dominican Republic — as well as a wide range of paintings held in both public and private collections. Schoon-Tanis has also written and illustrated several books, and in 2016 one of his images was presented to the Pope. He continues to explore color, storytelling, and imagination through his work.
Value: $2,500 | Starting bid: $1,500