Event Galleries

2022 Hope on the Hill

Van Andel Institute's 22nd annual Hope on the Hill Gala was a sweet celebration. Guests were treated to a seated dinner full of delectable cuisine and artisan drinks, world-class entertainment by actor, magician and improv artist Michael Carbonaro, star and executive producer of the truTV series “The Carbonaro Effect,” a silent auction and more!

2022 Couture For a Cure

Carol Van Andel, Rebecca Wierda and Kelli Templeton invited guests to join them for the 17th annual Couture for a Cure — an evening full of fashion, fun and philanthropy in support of Van Andel Institute’s mission!

Design & Discovery 2022

Hosted by Haworth and Van Andel Institute, Design & Discovery is an event that merges the inspiration of modernist furniture design with the elegant shapes and colors of contemporary fashion.

Around the World 2022

Van Andel Institute’s 11th annual Around the World officially kicked off summer! Guests enjoyed a fantastic tasting menu, featuring selections from artisan wineries and some of Michigan’s best craft beer purveyors, while sampling globally influenced small plates and appetizers.

Board of Governors Virtual Event

Van Andel Institute’s Board of Governors Annual Dinner went virtual for 2020! While this year we were not able to be together in person, we still had a wonderful, virtual evening to honor those who demonstrate incredible dedication and generous support for the Institute’s mission!

The Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Awards

The Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to Van Andel Institute’s mission through volunteer service and philanthropy. This award celebrates the extraordinary efforts of philanthropists, volunteers and advocates, whose undeniable generosity and determination support the Institute’s ability to improve the health and enhance the lives of current and future generations.

A Conversation About Depression Hosted by Carol Van Andel

A Conversation About Depression hosted by Carol Van Andel focused on leading advances in depression research. Attendees learned about treatment options, patient care and how to help a friend or family member with depression. The event featured local experts VAI’s Dr. Lena Brundin, Pine Rest’s Dr. Eric Achtyes and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital’s Dr. Elizabeth Kowal.

A Conversation About Metabolism and Nutrition Hosted by Carol Van Andel

A Conversation About Metabolism and Nutrition Hosted by Carol Van Andel spotlighted the Institute’s exciting research into metabolism’s role in health and diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s and diabetes. The event featured talks from VAI’s Dr. Rusty Jones and Dr. Connie Krawczyk.

A Conversation About Osteoporosis

A Conversation About Osteoporosis hosted by Carol Van Andel focused on current osteoporosis research and information on how individuals can be their own healthcare advocate. During the event guests heard from VAI’s Dr. Bart Williams and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s Dr. Michael Jakubowski, along with a keynote address from the Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Sundeep Khosla.

A Conversation About Pediatric Cancer Research and Treatment

Guests heard from Dr. Matt Steensma, who conducts research at the Institute and treats patients at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Jenna Gedminas, a clinical pediatric hematology/oncology fellow at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and research fellow in the lab of Dr. Patrick Grohar at the Institute. Dr. James Fahner, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, will give the keynote address.

Couture for a Cure Gallery

Carol Van Andel, Rebecca Wierda and Candace Matthews invited guests to join them for the 16th annual Couture for a Cure — an evening full of fashion, fun and philanthropy in support of Van Andel Institute’s mission!

Design & Discovery Gallery

Haworth and Van Andel Institute hosted Design & Discovery on June 17, 2021. Merging the inspiration of modernist furniture design with the elegant shapes and colors of contemporary fashion, Design & Discovery excited guests’ imaginations and showcased the power of the creative spirit. This exclusive event took place outdoors at the legendary Haworth headquarters and showroom in Holland, Michigan, and featured a runway show by Leigh’s out on the lawn, an exclusive display of Ferrari sportscars, hors d’oeuvres, artisan cocktails and complimentary swag bags from Leigh’s.

Hope on the Hill Gallery

Van Andel Institute’s 21st annual Hope on the Hill Gala featured a seated dinner full of delectable cuisine and artisan cocktails, live entertainment, and more! All proceeds benefit biomedical research and K–12 and graduate education programs at the Institute. It was an especially exciting night for us, as we celebrated our beloved Institute’s 25th anniversary.

Vai Golf Outing Gallery

On Sept. 13 the fourteenth annual Van Andel Institute Golf Outing took place at Wuskowhan Players Club.

Virtual Curiosity Hour Gallery

Van Andel Institute for Education hosted a virtual event full of science demonstrations that were fun to watch and recreated by participants at home. Our team’s fun-loving spirit and mad science skills made for an evening to remember. And the best part was finishing up the hour with an edible science experiment — a complimentary pizza from Amore Trattoria.

Winterfest Celebration Gallery

Winterfest supports Parkinson’s research through an evening of delicious food, delectable wine and cocktails, and and a collection of amazing packages during the auction. All proceeds from Winterfest benefit our team of incredible scientists here in West Michigan.

Around the World

Van Andel Institute’s JBoard Ambassadors hosted the 9th Annual Around the World® on June 1, 2019. The event featured an impressive tasting menu of selections from artisan wineries and some of Michigan’s best craft beer purveyors, along with globally-influenced small plates and appetizers. All proceeds from Around the World support Van Andel Education Institute’s science education initiatives.