Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence
Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Dinner and Award Presentation
For the past 10 years, the Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Dinner and Award Presentation recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to Van Andel Institute’s mission through volunteer service and philanthropic efforts. This award celebrates the extraordinary efforts of philanthropists, volunteers and advocates whose undeniable generosity and tireless determination support VAI’s ability to improve the health and enhance the lives of current and future generations.
2023 Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Recipients
Past Recipients
Amway
2022
Jill Bielema
2022
Bluewater Technologies
2022
Michael and Lynette Ellis
2022
Grand Rapids Griffins
2022
Bee Brave
2021
The Dave and Karen Custer Family
2021
Dr. Juan and Mary Olivarez
2021
Otsego Public Schools
2021
Preusser Jewelers
2021
Bea Aldrink Idema Foundation
2019
Jeff Battershall
2019
Jerry and Karen DeBlaay
2019
Kirk Gibson
2019
Sally Schaafsma
2019
Duncan Lake Middle School
2018
Jeffery Roberts
2018
Therese Rowerdink
2018
Susan Stafford
2018
West Ottawa Purple Power
2018
Timothy Long
2017
The Michelle Lunn HOPE Foundation
2017
Sue Jandernoa
2017
Peter and Joan Secchia
2017
John Zimmerman
2017
Peggy Greydanus
2016
Debbie Kinney
2016
Jamie Mills
2016
Rachel Mraz
2016
Leigh's
2015
George Sr. and Linda Sharpe
2015
George Jr. and Missy Sharpe
2015
Blair and Michelle Sharpe
2015
Lori "Maranda" Cook
2014
Bella Fiorenzo
2014
Mariah Otolski
2014
Sydney Vinton
2014
Allie Wittenbach
2014
Christine Boelkins
2013
Victoria Ludema
2013
About Carol Van Andel
A native of West Michigan, Carol Van Andel has dedicated most of her adult life to service on behalf of others through volunteer roles with more than a dozen nonprofit organizations. Passionate about her community in ways that advance education, children’s issues, the arts, and health and human services, she’s a staunch supporter of her husband’s initiatives as well, which include directing Van Andel Institute, where she helps coordinate fundraising efforts for research and education to battle cancer and other debilitating diseases.
In 2013, she led the creation of the Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Award, commending supporters who show a strong commitment to VAI’s mission through service and philanthropy.
“This award honors those who go to extraordinary lengths to support our mission. Most importantly, they do so in a variety of significant ways: Some contribute their time as volunteers, others help champion Institute events, and some dig deep into their hearts to donate funds to our cause. Every one of them has made a conscious decision to partner with us because they know and understand that simply put, our work here at VAI would suffer or might even approach a halt if it were not for their love and support.”