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Let’s kick 2021 off right — with a celebration!
Join us virtually on Thursday, Feb. 18, for the 16th annual Winterfest Celebration, an evening filled with excitement and world-class entertainment in support of an important cause: Parkinson’s disease research at Van Andel Institute.
Throughout the night, you can request a song to add to AB’s playlist, enjoy live-streamed entertainment and participate in the virtual silent auction and virtual paddle raise — all from the comfort of your own home! Sponsors will receive exclusive benefits, including a catered food and beverage package. All proceeds benefit Parkinson’s disease research at the Institute.
We need you!
In the next decade, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is expected to increase dramatically. Seven to 10 million people globally are living with Parkinson’s disease, and Parkinson’s incidence is on the rise: By 2030 there will be nearly 1.2 million people living with the disease in the U.S.
Events like Winterfest help VAI continue to raise the necessary funds in support of our scientists’ research and breakthroughs. It is one of the Institute’s most popular fundraising events, and in 16 years event sponsors, donors and guests have helped raise nearly $2 million in support of the important Parkinson’s research taking place right here in West Michigan.
Because of your continued support, VAI scientists — along with their national and international collaborators — can continue their work toward new discoveries that may lead to novel ways to diagnose and treat this devastating condition.
Event link will be sent out to registered guests and sponsors the week of the event.
All registrations after the 12 p.m. cutoff on Feb. 11 will not be eligible for the food and beverage package.
Silent Auction Recipe Cards (For Sponsors)
6:30–7:15 p.m.: Live entertainment – Brian Vander Ark, The Verve Pipe. Rockstar Reinvention Speech and Live Music
Event Program
7:15 p.m.: Event begins
Opening Remarks by George Sharpe Jr.
Welcome by Maranda
Evening toast by David and Carol Van Andel
Remarks by David Van Andel
Remarks by Dr. Patrik Brundin
Van Andel Institute video presentation
Parkinson’s disease advocate stories
Virtual paddle raise
Closing remarks by Maranda
Dance party music provided by AB
9:30 p.m.: Event ends
Title Sponsor – For 20 Guests
Charcuterie
prosciutto / bresaola / truffle salami / sopressata / smoked coppa
aged gouda / aged parmesan / Michigan sharp cheddar / brie
house pickled vegetables / marcona almonds / roasted tomatoes / marinated olives
honey / orange marmalade / smokey red pepper hummus
toasted crostini / lavash / grissini sticks
First Course
creamy parmesan soup with wild mushrooms and fine herbs; topped with crème fraiche
Entrée
braised beef short ribs
boneless short ribs accompanied by an herbed potato tart, roasted winter root vegetables, baby spinach and cabernet sauvignon sauce
Dessert
decadent chocolate sphere
vanilla bean marshmallow / flourless chocolate cake / fresh raspberries / dark chocolate mousse / warm chocolate sauce
Red Wine + Sparkling Wine
Crystal Sponsor – For 10 Guests
Charcuterie
prosciutto / bresaola / truffle salami / sopressata / smoked coppa
aged gouda / aged parmesan / Michigan sharp cheddar / brie
house pickled vegetables / marcona almonds / roasted tomatoes / marinated olives
honey / orange marmalade / smokey red pepper hummus
toasted crostini / lavash / grissini sticks
First Course
creamy parmesan soup with wild mushrooms and fine herbs; topped with crème fraiche
Entrée
braised beef short ribs
boneless short ribs accompanied by an herbed potato tart, roasted winter root vegetables, baby spinach and cabernet sauvignon sauce
Dessert
decadent chocolate sphere
vanilla bean marshmallow / flourless chocolate cake / fresh raspberries / dark chocolate mousse / warm chocolate sauce
Red Wine + Sparkling Wine
Snowflake Sponsor – For 8 Guests
Charcuterie
prosciutto / bresaola / truffle salami / sopressata / smoked coppa
aged gouda / aged parmesan / Michigan sharp cheddar / brie
house pickled vegetables / marcona almonds / roasted tomatoes / marinated olives
honey / orange marmalade / smokey red pepper hummus
toasted crostini / lavash / grissini sticks
First Course
creamy parmesan soup with wild mushrooms and fine herbs; topped with crème fraiche
Entrée
braised beef short ribs
boneless short ribs accompanied by an herbed potato tart, roasted winter root vegetables, baby spinach and cabernet sauvignon sauce
Dessert
decadent chocolate sphere
vanilla bean marshmallow / flourless chocolate cake / fresh raspberries / dark chocolate mousse / warm chocolate sauce
Red Wine + Sparkling Wine
Winter Sponsor – For 6 guests
First Course
creamy parmesan soup with wild mushrooms and fine herbs; topped with crème fraiche
Entrée
braised beef short ribs
boneless short ribs accompanied by an herbed potato tart, roasted winter root vegetables, baby spinach and cabernet sauvignon sauce
Dessert
decadent chocolate sphere
vanilla bean marshmallow / flourless chocolate cake / fresh raspberries / dark chocolate mousse / warm chocolate sauce
Sparkling Wine
Individual Tickets
First Course
creamy parmesan soup with wild mushrooms and fine herbs; topped with crème fraiche
Entrée
braised beef short ribs
boneless short ribs accompanied by an herbed potato tart, roasted winter root vegetables, baby spinach and cabernet sauvignon sauce
Dessert
decadent chocolate sphere
vanilla bean marshmallow / flourless chocolate cake / fresh raspberries / dark chocolate mousse / warm chocolate sauce
Sparkling Wine
Event Co-Chairs
George & Missy Sharpe
Event Committee
Rob & Dawn Arnoys
Robert & Katie Barcelona
Sally Murdock
Ron Rutkowski
Whitney Thompson
Geoff & LeeAnne Widlak
Tech Support Hotline:
248-213-3935
Contact Sarah Rollman at 616.234.5712 or via email for more information.