EVENTS
EVENTS Hope on the Hill Gala — Star Light, Star Bright The 20th anniversary of Van Andel Institute’s Hope on the Hill Gala — Star Light, Star Bright brought shimmering lights and dazzling sights right into the homes of attendees. This sparkling virtual event celebrated the stars who, for the past two decades, have helped make incredible things happen at VAI: our donors, our community, and the scientists and educators you support. It included not one, not two, but three virtual performances by the Detroit Youth Choir, whose powerful appearance on “America’s Got Talent” propelled its young stars into a well-deserved spotlight. Special thanks to the Title Sponsor: Fifth Third Private Bank. (STARTING AT THE TOP LEFT, GOING CLOCKWISE) ROB & SUSAN STAFFORD HOST A VIRTUAL VIEWING PARTY AT HOME; CAROL & DAVID VAN ANDEL PREPARE TO TOAST TO THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY; PABLO & JENNA PRIETO (FRONT), CHRIS & ALYSSA NANCE, CHARLIE & TANYA ROWERDINK; THE DETROIT YOUTH CHOIR 22 | VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE
A Conversation About Depression — Hosted by Carol Van Andel Van Andel Institute’s signature events have the power to bring the insights and research of our scientists to our community and our supporters. Through one of this year’s special events, A Conversation About Depression — Hosted by Carol Van Andel, this knowledge could travel even further, thanks to the unique virtual setting. Experts discussed the biological underpinnings of depression, considered how a better understanding of the disorder can be translated into improved diagnostics and treatments, explored COVID-19’s relationship to inflammation and depression, and addressed community resources available to those affected. Speakers included Dr. Lena Brundin (VAI), Dr. Eric Achtyes (Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Network180), and Dr. Mark Eastburg (Pine Rest). Special thanks to the Conversation Sponsor: Howard Miller, and to the Title Sponsor: The Veldheer, Long, Mackay & Bernecker Group of Merrill Lynch. (STARTING AT THE TOP, GOING DOWN) MARANDA & CAROL VAN ANDEL; SCIENTISTS DR. ERIC ACHTYES (PINE REST), DR. LENA BRUNDIN (VAI) & DR. MARK EASTBURG (PINE REST) JOIN MARANDA & CAROL VAN ANDEL VIA ZOOM VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE HIGHLIGHTS OF HOPE | 23
