When warm weather returns to West Michigan, there’s no better place to be than outside enjoying delicious food and drinks with good friends.
On June 1, come celebrate the beauty of the season with Van Andel Institute’s (VAI) JBoard Ambassadors at the 8th annual Around the World event!
Around the World is the JBoard’s signature event that brings people together for a fun evening and good cause: supporting VAI’s biomedical research and science education programs. Formed in 2009, the JBoard is a group of young professionals who are passionate advocates for the VAI’s mission. Led by co-chairs Rachel Mraz and Chad Bassett, the JBoard is always looking for new ways to engage the West Michigan community and help cultivate the next generation of VAI support.
“Grand Rapids is a hub of philanthropy and community engagement, and the institute is really an extension of the spirit of the city,” Mraz said. “Being a part of the JBoard and attending events like Around the World gives people an opportunity to network with other professionals, while giving back and supporting VAI’s research into diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s.”
Hosted in Crescent Park atop Belknap Hill, Around the World features selections from artisan wineries, Michigan’s best craft beer purveyors and globally influenced small plates and appetizers. Attendees will enjoy music by AB and can bid on silent auction packages to win 20 Monroe Live tickets, a staycation at JW Marriot or the Amway Grand Plaza, and more. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit VAI.
If you love Michigan’s burgeoning culinary scene and networking with movers and shakers in Grand Rapids, you’re not going to want to miss this event!
Around the World is June 1, 2018 from 6 – 10 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit vai.org.
