Gift of Life’s gala generates thousands for critical programs

Artelia Griggs, donor mother, receiving an award from Christine Peiter, Gift of Life employee and tissue graft recipient

Popular signature event will grow in 2024

The annual Champions Gala honoring people and organizations across the state is thriving thanks to the generosity of sponsors supporting the annual event, which recognizes the best of the best in the donation and transplant community.

The gala received $82,500 in support from a record 17 sponsors in April. Platinum sponsor Global Transplant Solutions gave $15,000 to help recognize champions.

The event netted $17,000 to help further Gift of Life’s mission, including many education and awareness programs and events throughout the state.

“It is our honor to play a part in celebrating Gift of Life’s donation successes by supporting the Champions Gala,” said John Bruens, CEO of Global Transplant Solutions. “Without a doubt, it is one of our favorite events!”

The sixth celebration of excellence will expand in 2024 to allow for greater sponsorship and partnership opportunities and higher attendance with individual tickets available for sale for the first time. The gala will have capacity for as many as 500 guests, roughly double the size of past events.

“This event has evolved since 2019 into the most inspiring and emotional gathering Gift of Life has to offer to Michigan’s donation and transplant community,” said Susan Rink, director of advancement overseeing fundraising for the gala. “We simply want to draw as many people as we can so they can experience it.”

Mark your calendar: Next year’s cocktail-attire celebration of those who champion donation at the highest level is set for Thursday, April 4, at Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi.

Nominations in nearly two dozen champion award categories — including honors for Hospital of the Year, Legacy and Honoring Life Through Donation — open on Oct. 16 and close on Nov. 30. The nomination form can be found on our website at golm.org during that time.

Tickets are not yet for sale.

If you or your organization are interested in learning more, contact Susan Rink at srink@golm.org

2023 Champions Gala sponsors:

  • Global Transplant Solutions
  • Community Tissue Services
  • Covenant HealthCare
  • Organ Recovery Systems
  • Old National Bank
  • Ossium Health
  • Corewell Health Transplant Program
  • InVita HealthCare Technologies
  • Flagstar Bank
  • Mutual of America
  • Michigan Health and Hospital Association
  • Ascension St. John Hospital
  • Midland Metals
  • Print-Tech
  • AbbVie
  • Second Chance at Life
  • Darla Granger

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