Hope on the Hill Gala

Name: Hope on the Hill Gala
Start: 2021-10-28T18:00:00-04:00
End: 2021-10-28T21:30:00-04:00
Location: Van Andel Institute

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Hope on the Hill Gala

October 28, 2021 @ 6:00 pm EDT - 9:30 pm EDT

Hope on the Hill is now sold out for in-person attendance. Virtual tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Join Van Andel Institute for the 21st annual Hope on the Hill Gala — Mission: Made Possible, and get ready to jump into action against Parkinson’s, cancer and more of the most elusive diseases threatening human health today. It is an especially exciting year for us, as we celebrate our beloved Institute’s 25th anniversary.

Break out your best black-tie attire and enjoy an air of mystery and plenty of surprises around every corner. It will be a well-deserved celebration of the often-unsung heroes who, for the past 25 years, have helped make great strides at the Institute: our donors, our community, and the scientists and educators they support.

This excitement-filled evening will feature a seated dinner full of delectable cuisine and artisan cocktails, live entertainment, and more! All proceeds benefit biomedical research and K–12 and graduate education programs at the Institute.

This is a black-tie attire event.

VAI is continuing to monitor applicable health and safety guidelines and will update the event format if necessary. Any changes will be noted here.

Please note: Proof of vaccination will be required for those wishing to attend this event in person. Vaccination cards and photo IDs will be required for entry and checked at the door upon your arrival.

For this year’s event, we only are allowing vaccinated guests into the institute. Unfortunately, this does not include exceptions for antibodies tests or negative tests. We are still making our virtual event available as an option for those who can’t attend or don’t wish to attend in person.

Masks also will be required throughout the event and may only be removed when eating or drinking.

Our top priority is keeping our research and education initiatives going strong, and we appreciate your support in our efforts.

Agenda

Event Committee

Entertainment

Questions?

6–6:30 p.m.

Guest arrival
Guests escorted to their tables
Cocktails and appetizers are served at guest tables

6:30 p.m.

Seated dinner begins
Music by AB and sponsor slide show

7:30 p.m.

Program Begins:

George Vande Woude Tribute Video
Welcome remarks by Tom Welch, Regional President, Fifth Third Bank, West Michigan
Remarks by David Van Andel, Chairman and CEO, Van Andel Institute
VAI Video Presentation
Paddle Raise
Live Auction
SVET Performance

9 p.m.

Event ends
Sponsor slide show and photo slide show

Hors d’oeuvres

Prosciutto wrapped mozzarella with balsamic essence

Whipped brie and apple chutney crostini

First course

Roasted butternut squash, pistachio, whipped ricotta, frisée, arugula and watermelon radish with white balsamic vinaigrette

Entree

Duo of braised short rib and natural jus, salmon timbale and chardonnay sauce, with Yukon gold potato pedestal, roasted Brussels sprouts and tomato confit

Dessert

Pumpkin apple tart — short dough tart, apple butter, spice cake and pumpkin cream cheese mousse with cranberry sauce

Jill Bielema
Lori Cook
Jessica Cook
Jennifer Ederer
Julie Fox
Peggy Greydanus
Deb Kinney
Vicky Ludema
Eve Rogus
Therese Rowerdink
Susan Stafford
Carol Van Andel
Anne Zimmerman
Jane Zwiers

Svet

Svet is one of a kind talent who has been featured on the biggest show on the planet, America’s Got Talent! As an internationally recognized Electro Violinist, Svet, merges his talent on the violin along the musical styles of today! “You’re that good of a violin player, I dare to say the best I’ve heard!” – Howard Stern Svet was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 29. He believes that music saved his life and he dedicates his work to adults and children who are fighting the disease. Bio: Born and raised in Bulgaria, Svet has played the violin since the age of 3 and constantly evolving within his talent. Coming to America, Svet was exposed to new styles of music such as hip hop and dance. He was immediately drawn to breakdancing and Salsa where he excelled as a performer. After graduating from The University of Rochester, Svet began merging his skills on the violin with the sounds of today and magic was born. Performing and transforming himself into the song, Svet is unique that he not only plays the violin, but he adds a third dimension, dance! Svet has performed with superstars such as Jamie Fox, Kanye West, Shaquille O Neil and Jay Z while also constantly touring, visiting Children’s Hospitals and performing for the kids. Svet is a cancer survivor. In 2016 he was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumor which is more common in children and only about one in two million adults such as Svet. Surgeons had no choice, but perform a 4 hour brain surgery on him to save his life. After the surgery, Svet woke up eager to get back on his feet and the next day, he went out front of Strong Memorial Hospital and played “Let it be” by The Beatles. His video went viral and touched the hearts of millions, once ABC World News made a story on his perseverance.