Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Takes Guests to New Heights at 11th Annual Green Gala
(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – On Thursday, Aug. 11, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks (Friends) is hosting its annual signature fundraiser, the Green Gala, at Richmond Park from 6-9 p.m.
This year, for its 11th iteration of the summer’s hottest outdoor party, Friends is literally taking its guests to new heights with a hot air balloon that will give guests a breathtaking view of Richmond Park and Grand Rapids from a whole new angle.
Tickets are $75 each and include food from various vendors, live music and entertainment, and a drink ticket. Hot air balloon tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at the event. To learn more or register, visit: https://friendsofgrparks.org/fgrp-events/green-gala/
Friends is excited to be partnering with great local food, drink, and entertainment providers to highlight some of the best in Grand Rapids, including:
Entertainment: Hot air balloon, DJ Venus Flyytrap, Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network, Michael the Accordionist, Les Creatif, Bedrock the Collective, DJ Tony Banks
Food: Sixth Street Polish Hall, El Granjero, Daddy Pete’s BBQ, Pochis Sweet Designs
Drink: Brewery Vivant, Farmhaus Cider Co., Art of the Table, Long Road Distillers, Proper Soda, Boxed Water
“The last few years of the pandemic have highlighted the importance of outstanding outdoor public spaces,” said Anna Baetan, Vice-Chair of the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Board of Directors. “We invite everyone to a celebration of all the people and organizations that have kept our parks and urban forest one of the best green systems in the nation!
During a brief program at the event, Baetan and Friends executive director Stacy Bare will share their vision of the future for GR Parks and Trees which includes ensuring that everyone can enjoy the outdoors easily, and everyone can make an impact.
Green Gala could not be done without the generous support of: Acrisure, Verizon, BDO, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Experience Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Laurie Gardner, Atomic Object, Bartlett Tree Experts, Failure Lab, Steelcase, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Grand Valley State University, Good Earth Tree Care LLC, and Wolverine Building Group.
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is an independent, citizen-led nonprofit enterprise founded in 2008 with the mission to empower people to cultivate vibrant parks, green spaces, and trees in our community. For more information visit friendsofgrparks.org.
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