Champions Gala
Munson Medical Center staff with their hands in the shape of hearts at the 2024 Champions Gala
Munson Medical Center was well represented as they received the 2024 Hospital of the Year Award at the Champions Gala.

Gift of Life will host the seventh annual Champions Gala on Friday, May 2, 2025 at The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit.

The annual Champions Gala has recognized more than 140 people and organizations supporting organ, eye and tissue donation at the highest level in Michigan since the event began in 2019.

The awards represent every aspect of the donation process from efforts to grow the Michigan Organ Donor Registry to incredible work at schools, hospitals, transplant centers and more.

A standing ovation at the 2024 Champions Gala
More than 350 supporters of organ, eye and tissue donation attended the 2024 Champions Gala to celebrate those who go above and beyond to honor life through donation.
Sponsorship Opportunities

There are many ways to support organ, eye and tissue donation through sponsorship of the Champions Gala.

Purchase Tickets

Purchase tickets, make a financial contribution or sponsor the Champions Gala at the link below.

2025 Champion Award Winners

Legislative Partner
Sen. Kevin Daley, Lapeer County

Community Partner
Michigan Donor Family Council

Volunteer
Debora Dearring, Southfield

Multicultural Difference Maker
Leslie Palacios, Grand Rapids

Donation Storyteller
WDIV-TV, Detroit

Educator
Heather Willing, Grand Blanc High School

Nurse
Cessa Kellogg, Munson Medical Center

Physician
Dr. Silas Norman, Michigan Medicine

Hospital Donation Liaison
Christine Wilson, University of Michigan Health – Sparrow

Hospital Staff — Nurse Practitioner
Tim Lagasse, McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital

Hospital Staff — Social Worker
Natalie Maes, Children’s Hospital of Michigan

Innovation Award
Yvonne Jackson, Julene Kruithof and Nancy Bekken, Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital

Medical Examiner
Dr. Russell Bush, Saginaw County

Funeral Professional
Brian S. Merkle, Merkle Funeral Services, Monroe

Transplant Center
Henry Ford Transplant, Detroit

Honoring Life Through Donation
Debra Wyant, Donor Mother

Legacy Achievement Award
Marge Del Greco, Team Michigan

Hospital of the Year
Hurley Medical Center, Flint

2024 Champions Gala photos

2024 Gift of Life Champion Awards

“We simply want to draw as many people as we can so they can experience it.”

Susan Rink, director of advancement, Gift of Life Michigan

Susan Rink, director of advancement

Gift of Life Champion - top awards are clear triangular glass
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