FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information:
Stephanie Adams, Executive Director
stephanie@friendsofgrparks.org
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks to Take Guests to New Heights at Green Gala
Grand Rapids, Mich. – On Thursday, Aug. 12, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks (Friends) is hosting its annual signature fundraiser, Green Gala, at Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
For the 10th anniversary of the event, Friends is taking its guests to new heights – literally. A hot air balloon will allow guests to have a breathtaking view of Ah-Nab-Awen Park, the Grand River, and Grand Rapids’ downtown from a whole new angle.
The live entertainment is also rising to a new level, with a lineup of several beloved local musicians scheduled to perform throughout the evening. Performers will include DJ Venus Flyytrap, Hawks and Owls String Band, Jess featuring cellist Jordan Hamilton and pianist Grayson Nye, alternative latin rock collective Cabildo, and DJ The SEVENTth.
The chefs of All In Hospitality (Donkey Taqueria, The Winchester, Hancock and Royals) are creating three custom bowls that guests can choose between for dinner. Drinks are available from Brewery Vivant (including the “It’s Park Saison” brew released to benefit Friends in May 2021), Farmhaus Cider Co., Art of the Table, Proper Soda and Boxed Water. To make the event even sweeter, Hey Sugar Co.’s twirling artists will be spinning gourmet cotton candy.
One of Friends’ core values is that play is essential for the well-being of all. “This year’s Green Gala is really reflective of that,” says Stephanie Adams, Friends’ executive director. “We want people to come out and come alive in this amazing park. Soak up the space and the experience, and be inspired that you too can make a positive impact.”
Friends welcomes anyone who enjoys Grand Rapids’ parks and trees to join the celebration on Aug. 12. Be sure to purchase your ticket by midnight on Friday, Aug. 6 to have access to the full experience!
Tickets can be reserved online at https://shop.friendsofgrparks.org/green-gala until Aug. 6.
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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.