Hope on the Hill Gala – Quantum Leap

Celebrate three decades of science, education and discovery at Van Andel Institute’s Hope on the Hill Gala on Thursday, Oct. 29 at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Imagination will meet innovation at Hope on the Hill — Quantum Leap. The celebration will propel you to the next frontier of biomedical research and science education, showcasing limitless hope for a brighter, better tomorrow. Step into an evening of futuristic elegance featuring exquisite cuisine, signature cocktails and electrifying entertainment. Dynamic experiences and one-of-a-kind items await at the silent auction and paddle raise.

Together, we are shaping the future for generations to come. All proceeds benefit biomedical research and education programs at the Institute.

Event Chairs

David & Carol Van Andel

Event Committee

Jill Bielema

Lori Cook

Peggy Greydanus

Sue Jandernoa

Debra Kinney

Vicky Ludema

Jamie Slotsema

Dana Stenstrom

Hailey Van Andel

Meg Willit

Jane Zwiers

3 Dozen Custom-Made Cookies
Indulge in three dozen custom cookies from Poppy’s Cookies, beautifully crafted to match your theme, event or personal style. These delicious, hand-decorated treats are as stunning as they are tasty — perfect for parties, gifts or special celebrations.
Value: $180 | Starting Bid: $90

The Art of Home by Stoffer Home
Bring a touch of warmth and effortless style to your space with a thoughtfully curated gift box from Stoffer Home. This beautiful collection includes a Cottswald Garden candle and room spray, perfect for creating an inviting atmosphere at home.
Complete the collection with a mini frame, ceramic dipping bowl, Stoffer Home playing cards and matches — charming details that blend style and function. Whether displayed, enjoyed or shared with guests, this package is perfect for anyone who appreciates the little touches that make a house feel like home.
Value: $100 | Starting Bid: $50

Custom Handcrafted Cornhole Board Set
Enjoy endless outdoor fun with this beautifully handcrafted cornhole board set! Each set is made by talented youth participating in the Wedgwood Christian Services Employment Program. The boards are ready for your personal touch. Customize them with your favorite colors, designs or sports themes to make them uniquely yours. Perfect for backyard games, tailgating or as a one-of-a-kind gift.
Value: $200 | Starting Bid: $100

Custom Professional Teeth Whitening Package
Transform your smile with this exclusive custom professional teeth whitening package! Includes a personal consultation, custom-fit bleach trays and five tubes of professional-grade whitening bleach to help you achieve a brighter, more radiant smile at home. Perfect for anyone seeking a confident, dazzling smile with safe, effective results — an ideal gift for yourself or a loved one.
Value: $500 | Starting Bid: $200

Dinner for 6 at Nonna’s: The Trattoria Package #1
Enjoy an evening of authentic European-style dining at Nonna’s Trattoria, located in the heart of Ada, Michigan. You and five guests will savor a thoughtfully curated multi-course dinner, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients and flavors crafted with care. With its warm atmosphere and dedication to culinary excellence, Nonna’s delivers an unforgettable dining experience where every dish tells a story.
Value: $300 | Starting Bid: $150

Dinner for 6 at Nonna’s: The Trattoria Package #2
Enjoy an evening of authentic European-style dining at Nonna’s Trattoria, located in the heart of Ada, Michigan. You and five guests will savor a thoughtfully curated multi-course dinner, showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients and flavors crafted with care. With its warm atmosphere and dedication to culinary excellence, Nonna’s delivers an unforgettable dining experience where every dish tells a story.
Value: $300 | Starting Bid: $150

Escape to Ada
Enjoy a charming getaway in the heart of Ada with a complimentary one-night stay at the Ada Hotel. Make the most of your visit with a $50 gift card to enjoy at either of the hotel’s restaurants, perfect for adding a delicious meal to your stay.
Take a little piece of Ada home with you, too! This package includes an Ada Hotel notebook and signature candle, a Post beer mug, and a Love Your Local tote bag.
The perfect combination of a cozy overnight escape, great dining and local favorites!
Value: $500 | Starting Bid: $250

Farm-Fresh Dining at Terra GR
Enjoy an evening of fresh, flavorful dining at Terra GR, a local scratch kitchen committed to showcasing ingredients from close to home.
With vegetables and meats sourced from West Michigan farms, Terra transforms seasonal ingredients into thoughtfully prepared dishes that celebrate the flavors of the region. Gather your favorite dining companion and enjoy a delicious meal in Terra’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Value: $150 | Starting Bid: $75

A Fresh Look at Heidi Christine’s Salon
Treat yourself to a fresh new look with a haircut, color and highlights at Heidi Christine’s Salon in Ada. Whether you’re ready for a complete transformation or simply want to refresh your signature style, enjoy a personalized salon experience designed to leave you looking and feeling your best.
From a beautiful new cut to dimensional color and highlights, this package is the perfect excuse to sit back, relax and enjoy a little well-deserved pampering.
Value: $200 | Starting Bid: $100

Good Hart Haven Cottage Getaway
Enjoy a fall color tour or winter ski weekend. Located in Good Hart along the Tunnel of Trees, with a three-minute walk to the private beach. The Good Hart Haven Cottage is 15 minutes from downtown Harbor Springs, ski and golf resorts. The cottage includes four bedrooms along with a loft that has two twin beds. Sleeps up to 10.
Value: $1,200 | Starting Bid: $600

Grand Meadows Farm — Half Cow Package #1
Enjoy eight months’ worth of beef with a half cow from Grand Meadows Farm, processed by Byron Center Meats. The winner will be responsible for the processing and packing fee.
Value: $2,000 | Starting Bid $1,000

Grand Meadows Farm — Half Cow Package #2
Enjoy eight months’ worth of beef with a half cow from Grand Meadows Farm, processed by Byron Center Meats. The winner will be responsible for the processing and packing fee.
Value: $2,000 | Starting Bid $1,000

Haworth Cappellini Hi Pad Visitor Chair
Bring a touch of modern Italian design into your home or office with this Cappellini Hi Pad Visitor Chair in Pelle Frau Lacca. Featuring a beautifully sculpted silhouette, rich cognac-toned leather upholstery and sleek dark metal legs, this chair makes a sophisticated statement from every angle.
Its curved, padded seat and back combine comfort with contemporary style, making it a striking choice for an office, reading nook, bedroom or living space. A beautiful opportunity to add an elevated piece of designer furniture to your space.
Value: $2,020 | Starting Bid: $1,010

Haworth Office Chair
Upgrade your workspace with this modern ergonomic office chair, designed to bring comfort and style to your workday. Featuring soft sage green upholstery, a supportive high back, cushioned adjustable armrests and a sleek white frame, this chair offers a fresh, contemporary look for any home or professional office.
With a five-wheel rolling base and adjustable features for personalized comfort, it’s a stylish and practical addition to your workspace — perfect for long workdays, creative sessions or refreshing your home office.
Value: $1,726 | Starting Bid: $860

Nothing Bundt Sweetness
Make any celebration a little sweeter with a 10-inch Bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes! Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, special occasions or simply treating yourself, these beautifully decorated cakes are made to be shared.
Choose a favorite flavor and bring home a delicious centerpiece that’s sure to make any occasion feel extra special.
Because every celebration is better with cake!
Value: $40 | Starting Bid: $20

The Perfect Storytime Playdate
Gather the little ones for a sweet and memorable private story time at Plumfield Books! Designed for 10 to 15 children, this special experience will feature “The Humble Pie” as the theme, bringing the story to life for a fun-filled gathering.
And no party is complete without a treat! Enjoy two dozen Bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes, perfectly sized for sharing with the group.
Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, playdate or special afternoon with friends, this charming combination of stories and sweets is sure to delight kids and grown-ups alike!
Value: $150 | Starting Bid: $75

Plastic Surgery Associates Premium Skincare Experience
Pamper yourself with the ultimate luxury skincare package from Plastic Surgery Associates. This curated collection features top-tier products from Grand Pearl, Revision and Skinceuticals, paired with expert consultations and treatments designed to enhance your natural beauty. Perfect for anyone looking to indulge in professional-grade skincare and elevate their self-care routine.
Value: $615 | Starting Bid: $310

Popnotch Goods Gourmet Popcorn Experience
Savor the ultimate popcorn experience with this gourmet gift basket from Popnotch Goods! Includes five delicious popcorn flavors, pumpkin seeds, popcorn kernels and an at-home popcorn popper — everything you need for movie nights, family fun or snacking in style. Pop, munch and enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite!
Value: $120 | Starting Bid: $60

Pretty Woman Package at Design 1 Salon Spa
Enjoy a little head-to-toe pampering with the Pretty Woman Package at Design 1 Salon Spa. Set aside some time just for you and indulge in a collection of salon and spa services designed to help you relax, refresh and feel your very best.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved day of self-care, this package is the perfect excuse to unwind and enjoy the full Design 1 experience.
Because everyone deserves to feel pretty and pampered!
Value: $191 | Starting Bid: $95

Private Firearm Lesson at Barracks 616
Enjoy a personalized, one-hour firearm lesson at Barracks 616, West Michigan’s premier indoor shooting range. Your private session begins with a consultation to tailor instruction to your goals. Possible training topics include working from the holster, shooting from cover, moving and shooting, low-light techniques, malfunction drills, speed and tactical reloads, and more. This lesson provides the flexibility of advanced training without the time commitment or cost of an all-day course, making it an excellent resource for shooters of all levels.
Value: $75 | Starting Bid: $38

A Private Shopping Experience at Saks Fifth Avenue
Indulge in the ultimate shopping experience with a $1,500 private shopping appointment with Mary at Saks Fifth Avenue in Troy.
Enjoy personalized attention as you explore Saks’ selection of designer fashion, accessories and more. With Mary there to help curate pieces just for you, this exclusive experience is the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe, discover something special and enjoy a little luxury along the way.
Value: $1,500 | Starting Bid: $750

Relax & Refresh at Heidi Christine’s
Indulge in a little well-deserved self-care with a 50-minute relaxation facial at Heidi Christine’s Salon & Spa in Ada. This soothing treatment includes cleansing, exfoliating, treating and moisturizing the skin, followed by a refreshing mask.
Complete your experience with a relaxing neck and shoulder massage, leaving you feeling refreshed, renewed and beautifully pampered from start to finish.
Value: $75 | Starting Bid: $35

Schuil Coffee Premium Gourmet Gift Basket
Don’t miss this gift basket with a $100 gift card to the Schuil cafe, four bags of our 12-ounce specialty coffee, Stash tea bags and Schuil branded merchandise!
Value: $250 | Starting Bid: $125

A Sweet Treat From Sara’s Sweets Bakery
Make any occasion a little sweeter with a six-inch ready-made cake from Sara’s Sweets Bakery! Beautifully crafted and deliciously indulgent, this cake is the perfect addition to a birthday, celebration, dinner with friends or simply a well-deserved treat.
Pick out a ready-made favorite and enjoy a little something sweet from one of West Michigan’s beloved local bakeries.
Value: $45 | Starting Bid: $22

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Enjoy a fun-filled day at LMCU Ballpark with a West Michigan Whitecaps family four pack! This package includes four box seats, four hot dogs and four sodas — everything you need to gather the family or friends and cheer on the Whitecaps.
Make memories together while enjoying the excitement of Whitecaps baseball and all the classic ballpark fun that comes with it.
Valid for Sunday through Thursday games and expires Sept. 26, 2027. Not valid for Opening Day.
Value: $240 | Starting Bid: $120

Tee It Up With a Pro Package #1
Take your golf game to the next level with a one-hour private golf lesson with Josh Weaver, director of instruction at Cascade Hills Country Club.
Enjoy a personalized, one-on-one lesson designed to sharpen your skills, improve your technique and build confidence on the course. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your swing or simply elevate your overall game, this exclusive lesson is a great opportunity to learn from an experienced golf professional in the beautiful setting of Cascade Hills Country Club.
Value: $200 | Starting Bid: $100

Tee It Up With a Pro Package #2
Take your golf game to the next level with a one-hour private golf lesson with Josh Weaver, director of instruction at Cascade Hills Country Club.
Enjoy a personalized, one-on-one lesson designed to sharpen your skills, improve your technique and build confidence on the course. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your swing or simply elevate your overall game, this exclusive lesson is a great opportunity to learn from an experienced golf professional in the beautiful setting of Cascade Hills Country Club.
Value: $200 | Starting Bid: $100

Tee Time at Egypt Valley With Aaron & Hailey Van Andel
Enjoy a memorable day of golf at Egypt Valley Country Club, home of the 2010 USGA Junior Amateur Championship and a 10-year host site for the PGA Champions Tour.
Your golf experience, hosted by Aaron and Hailey Van Andel, includes complimentary green fees and carts for up to three players.
Value: $525 | Starting Bid: $535

The Ultimate Uccello’s Hospitality Group Experience
Get ready for the perfect combination of food, football and fun with The Uccello’s Hospitality Group Experience! This incredible package brings together three experiences to enjoy with family and friends.
Kick things off with the Uccello’s Game Time Experience, featuring a reserved table for up to eight guests at the Uccello’s Ristorante of your choice during any Detroit Lions game, complete with three large 14-inch pizzas and three appetizers of your choice.
Then, take your game to the virtual course with two hours at U Swing Indoor Golf in Caledonia, where you can tee it up on world-famous courses using state-of-the-art Falcon Foresight technology.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy Herb & Fire Pizza for a year, with one signature pizza and cheesy garlic breadsticks each month for an entire year.
From cheering on the Lions to hitting the links and enjoying plenty of pizza along the way, this package has something for everyone!
Value: $700 | Starting Bid: $350

A Week of Chef-Crafted Meals
One full week of professional meal preparation — delivered fresh, thoughtfully crafted and ready to enjoy with the people you love.
Enjoy three thoughtfully designed entrees, with up to four portions per entree, crafted by a personal chef. You will enjoy a personalized menu consultation prior to prep day.
Value: $400 | Starting Bid: $200

Wine Basket & Massage Package
Unwind and indulge with this luxurious package! Enjoy a 90-minute therapeutic or deep tissue massage at TOVA Salon, paired with a gourmet wine gift basket featuring fine wine, a scented candle, decadent chocolate and plush towels. The perfect way to relax, recharge and treat yourself or a loved one!
Value: $200 | Starting Bid: $100

A Year of Beauty at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Enjoy a year of discovery with a family membership to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. From stunning gardens and world-renowned sculpture to seasonal exhibitions and family-friendly experiences, there’s always something new to explore together.
To make this package even more special, take home a Meijer Gardens gift bag featuring a commemorative butterfly ornament, scarf and mug — perfect keepsakes to enjoy long after your visit.
A wonderful package for families who love art, nature and making memories together!
Value: $250 | Starting Bid: $125