Hope on the Hill and the Chocolate Factory

This event is SOLD OUT.

Join Van Andel Institute for the 22nd annual Hope on the Hill Gala, and help us find the golden ticket against Parkinson’s, cancer and more of the most elusive diseases threatening human health today.

Hope on the Hill and the Chocolate Factory will be a sweet celebration of the heroes who, year after year, help make great strides at the Institute: our donors, our community, and the scientists and educators they support.

This whimsical evening will feature a seated dinner full of delectable cuisine and artisan drinks — Gobstopper Gimlets, anyone? Or perhaps a Chocolate River Cocktail instead!

Guests will also be treated to world-class entertainment by actor, magician and improv artist Michael Carbonaro, star and executive producer of the truTV series “The Carbonaro Effect,” along with a silent auction, a paddle raise, and more! All proceeds benefit biomedical research and K–12 and graduate education programs at the Institute.

Suggested attire for the evening is Cocktail Attire With a Splash of Wonka.
Complimentary valet at the main entrance.

Best known as the star and executive producer of the hit series, THE CARBONARO EFFECT on truTV, Michael Carbonaro has also made frequent television appearances in shows such as Happily Divorced, 30 Rock, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI Miami. A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro went on to study experimental theater at New York University with the aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

Following Carbonaro’s frequent late-night appearances, Michael was presented with the opportunity to launch his hit comedic series, “The Carbonaro Effect,” which has run for over 100 episodes on truTV. A trickster at heart, Michael performs inventive tricks on unsuspecting members of the public who are unaware that he is a magician. Jaws drop when he causes a car to disappear from under a security guard’s nose or makes alien crabs transform into kittens in a science lab. Whether posing as a coffee shop barista, museum curator, or seemingly unremarkable store clerk in the REAL world, Carbonaro’s illusions – along with his absurd, matter-of-fact explanations – leave REAL people bewildered and families at home laughing out loud.

Michael regularly showcases his bizarre antics and mind-blowing magic at corporate events and through his highly-acclaimed national theater tours.

6:00 – 6:45 pm

Guest arrival and strolling cocktail hour

6:45 – 7:00 pm

Guests are seated for dinner and program

7:00 – 9:15 pm

Program begins:
Welcome remarks by Tom Welch
Remarks by David Van Andel
VAI Video Presentation
Paddle Raise featuring Jason Lamoreaux and Maranda
Live Auction featuring Jason Lamoreaux
Michael Carbonaro performance

9:15 – 11:00 pm

After glow, dancing and desserts

11:00 pm

Event ends

Contact Sarah Rollman at 616.234.5712 or via email for more information.