2019 Highlights of Hope: Fall/Winter

EVENTS
PURPLE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Purple Community, Van Andel Institute’s grassroots
fundraising organization, brought together top fundraisers,
event organizers and volunteers at the annual Purple
Community Celebration. The event was emceed by Maranda, host
of the popular West Michigan television program “Maranda Where
You Live,” and featured a networking reception, dinner and award
ceremony. Since its founding in 2009, Purple Community has built
strong connections with a diverse, active network and helped to
raise millions of dollars in support of research and education. This
celebration placed a well-deserved spotlight on the people who
give of themselves to benefit the health and well-being of their
community and the Institute’s mission.
AROUND THE WORLD
Members of the Van Andel Institute JBoard Ambassadors,
Institute supporters, researchers, educators and new friends
visited VAI for an evening of fine wine, globally influenced
menu items and dancing — all to support the Institute’s
education programs. During the event, Terra Tarango, Van Andel
Institute’s chief education officer, unveiled exciting education
initiatives, including Blue Apple, a new project-based education
platform that was launched in 2019.
(STARTING AT THE TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT) TERRA TARANGO; DR. HUI SHEN; MARANDA, ASHLEY OWEN &
MCKENZIE HOLLERN; MICHELLE LUNN GOLF COMMITTEE
(STARTING AT THE TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT) EVENT GUESTS PERUSING THE SILENT AUCTION;
CAROL VAN ANDEL, TERRA TARANGO & DAVID VAN ANDEL; A BARTENDER POURS A SELECTION
FROM THE ARRAY OF ARTISAN WINES; CHRIS & ALYSSA NANCE; TAMARA BEEL
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