2020 Annual Report
This is the 2020 Annual Report for Van Andel Institute.
This is the 2020 Annual Report for Van Andel Institute.
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Uniting young, ambitious professionals<br />
in support of VAI’s mission<br />
PHILANTHROPY<br />
Young professionals looking to make an impact<br />
on research into diseases like cancer and<br />
Parkinson’s need look no further than Van Andel<br />
Institute’s JBoard Ambassadors. This group, more<br />
than 80 members strong, brings together the young,<br />
philanthropic hearts and hands of Grand Rapids in<br />
support of VAI’s mission to improve health and enhance<br />
lives now and for generations to come.<br />
“Van Andel Institute’s ability to bring the community<br />
together under a common goal is unmatched,” said Kyle<br />
Van Andel, a member of VAI’s JBoard Advisory Council<br />
and son of Chairman and CEO David Van Andel and his<br />
wife Carol Van Andel. “Whether it be through education<br />
events, or volunteering, VAI understands that anyone<br />
and everyone can contribute in a positive way. This<br />
ability to bring people together has led to major cuttingedge<br />
discoveries and will continue to create more<br />
opportunities for many generations.”<br />
To support those breakthroughs, JBoard Ambassadors<br />
pledge to donate $25 a month, or $300 a year, all of<br />
which directly benefits biomedical research and K–12<br />
and graduate education at VAI. Members have the<br />
opportunity throughout the year to engage directly with<br />
Institute scientists and educators and learn more about<br />
VAI’s work through events like Virtual Coffee Connection.<br />
Although the annual JBoard Member Mixer went virtual<br />
in <strong>2020</strong>, Ambassadors were still able to enjoy wine<br />
and cheese pairings from Aperitivo in the comfort<br />
of their own homes while learning about the latest<br />
groundbreaking work happening at VAI. Presenters<br />
included Chief Education Officer Terra Tarango and<br />
postdoctoral fellows Dr. Michael Dahabieh,<br />
Dr. Emmanuel Quansah and Dr. Payton Stevens.<br />
<strong>2020</strong> JBoard Advisory Council<br />
Co-chairs: Chad Bassett & Rachel Mraz<br />
Christopher Billmeier<br />
Kendra Osowski<br />
Alex Schrotenboer<br />
Kyle Van Andel<br />
APERITIVO’S GENERAL MANAGER EVAN TALEN<br />
& LEAD BARTENDER & EDUCATOR BEN<br />
VANDERWAAL WALK VIRTUAL ATTENDEES<br />
THROUGH WINE TASTINGS<br />
VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2020</strong> | 43
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