Van Andel Institute Purple Community
Van Andel Institute Purple Community is a dynamic grassroots community awareness and fundraising program that empowers individuals, schools, teams, companies and corporations in a shared mission: improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations.
Get Involved with VAI Purple Community
Every year, Purple Community holds more than 60 events across Michigan and beyond. Passionate event hosts develop, organize and rally their communities to turn commitment into action — all while raising funds to support Van Andel Institute.
Purple Community events come in all shapes and sizes: golf outings, school sporting events, 5K runs and walks, puzzle competitions, pickleball matches and more. Host an event or start a fundraising campaign to help accelerate the speed of research and discovery at Van Andel Institute. Bring your community, friends and family together to honor someone affected by devastating diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s, remember a loved one or support discoveries that bring hope. There’s no limit to how you can make a difference!
The best part? 100% of every dollar raised at Purple Community events directly benefits the Institute.
Van Andel Institute Marathon Team
The VAI Marathon Team brings together passionate runners who are looking to make an impact, providing complimentary access to marathons across the world. Take on the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, GENERALI BERLIN-MARATHON, TCS New York City Marathon, or Tokyo Marathon 2027 with the VAI Marathon Team!
Student Ambassador Program
Work with your fellow Student Ambassadors to plan and execute one major fundraising event each school year, with support and mentorship from VAI scientists, educators and staff.
Bee Brave
Throughout the last 18 years, Bee Brave has grown to become a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about raising breast cancer awareness, supporting fighters and honoring those whose battle has ended.
Wendy Jo Blakely “Je t’aime” Fund
The Wendy Jo Blakely “Je t’aime” Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund was established to support pancreatic cancer research in honor of Wendy, who died from pancreatic cancer. Created by her husband, Rusty, it stands as a tribute to her lifelong commitment to healthcare and family.
We want to hear from you!
Do you have an idea involving your coworkers, classmates, friends, family and local community?
With the help of schools, businesses and individuals, we can enhance the health and lives of generations to come. To learn more about hosting a fundraising event, email us at [email protected] or click the button below to submit a request for hosting an event.
By the numbers
VAI Purple Community
- 60 Each year, VAI’s Purple Community leads more than 60 events that bring people together and fuel progress.
- $10M+ PC events have raised more than $10,000,000 since the program’s inception in 2009.
- 20 Founded in 2019, the VAI Student Ambassador Program brings together more than 20 local high school students each school year to plan and execute Art for a Cure, a fundraiser supporting Van Andel Institute.