D.A. Blodgett - St. John's Virtual Guild Ball
Hosted by the St. John's Guild
Each year at D.A. Blodgett - St. John's (DABSJ) Guild Ball we come together to celebrate the incredible success stories of families served by the many different programs offered at DABSJ. The night helps us celebrate the past, but also focus on the future and the work that still needs to be done. This year we won't be able to gather in person, but the need has never been greater. With the help of our donors and community members, we can ensure our essential services continue to keep children and families safe and evolve to the changing needs in our community, no matter the challenge.
This year we're going virtual, so you can choose your own experience.
Check out the info below to see what is new and how you can create your own ball at home.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Mehgan Bechtel at mbechtel@dabsj.org or by phone at 616.361.4138.
A welcome message from Chief Advancement Officer, Jim Visser!
What makes this year's event different?
Join us to help celebrate the families and children of D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s. Each story is different, every family is unique, but with a little support and a lot of love you are helping us provide a safe, nurturing home for every child, and a supportive community for every family.
Our virtual program will begin streaming at 7pm on November 21. Instructions to join will be included in your event bag and a link will be emailed to all confirmed guests.
EACH INDIVIDUAL & SPONSOR TICKET INCLUDES AN EVENT BAG
Pickup options are Friday, Nov 20 (4:30-6:30pm) and Saturday, Nov 21 (10:30am-12:30pm).
Ticket holders receive a French-inspired appetizer & dessert sampler from Martha’s Vineyard Catering – 3 options to choose from:
- Standard: Charcuterie and Cheese, Brie & Pear Tartlet, Olive Tapenade Canape, Warm Artichoke Dip, French Macaron & Mini Cream Puff
- Vegan: Nut Cheese Stuffed Strawberry Bites, Fruit Kebab, Olive Tapenade, Bruschetta, Potato & Leek Tart, Vegan Dessert
- Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian: Artisan Cheese, Gougeres French Cheese Puffs, Olive Tapenade, Bruschetta, Potato & Leek Tart, Vegan Dessert
Each option includes a bottle of wine. Guests picking up wine must certify they are 21+.
SIGNATURE DRINK KIT
Each sponsor ticket includes a signature drink kit from Punch Bar. Individual ticket holders can add a kit to their event bag for $25 each. Kits include all the syrups, garnishes, and tools needed to make two delicious mocktails, or add your own favorite spirit to create a fabulous French cocktail - The Marie Antoinette! The drink captures the spirit of Antoinette and her love of oranges and orange blossom water as well as her numerous pomegranate trees in the orchards at Versailles.
The kit will pair well with a variety of base spirits. Join the virtual cocktail party the night of the event to get recommendations from our mixologist and take part in a group à votre santé (cheers)! $5 from each kit will be returned to DABSJ to help children and families in our community.
Details about the cocktail party will be sent when you schedule pickup.
WHAT DOES AN AT-HOME BALL LOOK LIKE?
Whether you are a party of one or gathered with a small group of close friends, the best part about a virtual ball is you are in charge!
If you’re looking for an excuse to break out the ball gowns and bowties, we think A Night of Love is the perfect time to do it.
Looking forward to slipping into pj's and fuzzy slippers before dinner? No one’s there to judge!
We just encourage you to keep things safe. DABSJ recommends you gather only with members of your household or members of your pre-established quarantine bubble and follow Kent Health Department guidelines as well as State of Michigan regulations/executive orders.
SUPPORT LOCAL VENDORS!
Click here to check out what local vendors we are partnering with to create your at-home event.
CHOOSE A WISH OFF OUR VIRTUAL WISH BOARD
If you’re unable to “attend” this year’s event or plan to join as a guest of a sponsor and would like to make your own donation, check out our virtual wish board. Your support will help unlock hope for families like the Corders!
CHAMPION - $10,000
- 10 tickets to virtual ball (includes event bag w/ food & wine package from Martha’s Vineyard and cocktail kit from Punch Bar, one bag per ticket)
- Logo included on printed invite (if committed by August 31), event webpage, and Facebook event page
- Recognition on the agency website
- Logo recognition on scrolling “stay tuned” video before the start of virtual event
- Listing in the agency's annual report
- Inclusion in the December E-newsletter sent to 8,500
- Acknowledgment in social media marketing before the event reaching 9,750+
- Mention in pre-event reminder emails to all attendees
- Recognition in the spring 2021 newsletter mailed to 5,100 homes & businesses
- Highlight in event recap video emailed to all participants and posted on social media
- Optional advertisement in sponsor booklet included in gift bag given to all event participants
HERO - $5,000
- 10 tickets to virtual ball (includes event bag w/ food & wine package from Martha’s Vineyard and cocktail kit from Punch Bar, one bag per ticket)
- Logo included on event webpage, and Facebook event page
- Recognition on the agency website
- Logo recognition on scrolling “stay tuned” video before the start of virtual event
- Listing in the agency's annual report
- Logo recognition on e-invite sent to 400+ potential sponsors and guests (if committed by September 18).
- Mention in pre-event reminder email to all attendees
- Highlight in event recap video emailed to all participants and posted on social media reaching 9,750+
- Optional advertisement in sponsor booklet included in gift bag given to all event participants
GUARDIAN - $2,500
- 8 tickets to virtual ball (includes event bag w/ food & wine package from Martha’s Vineyard and cocktail kit from Punch Bar, one bag per ticket)
- Logo included on event webpage, and Facebook event page
- Recognition on the agency website
- Logo recognition on scrolling “stay tuned” video before the start of virtual event
- Listing in the agency's annual report
- Logo recognition on e-invite sent to 400+ potential sponsors and guests (if committed by September 18).
- Highlight in event recap video emailed to all participants and posted on social media reaching 9,750+
- Optional advertisement in sponsor booklet included in gift bag given to all event participants
PATRON - $1,500
- 4 tickets to virtual ball (includes event bag w/ food & wine package from Martha’s Vineyard and cocktail kit from Punch Bar, one bag per ticket)
- Recognition on the agency website
- Recognition on scrolling “stay tuned” video before the start of virtual event
- Logo recognition on e-invite sent to 400+ potential sponsors and guests (if committed by September 18).
- Listing in the agency's annual report
- Optional advertisement in sponsor booklet included in gift bag given to all event participants
ADVOCATE - $600
- 2 tickets to virtual ball (includes event bag w/ food & wine package from Martha’s Vineyard and cocktail kit from Punch Bar, one bag per ticket)
- Recognition on the agency website
- Recognition on scrolling “stay tuned” video before the start of virtual event
- Optional advertisement in sponsor booklet included in gift bag given to all event participants
FRIEND - $250
- 2 tickets to virtual ball (includes event bag w/ food & wine package from Martha’s Vineyard and cocktail kit from Punch Bar, one bag per ticket)
- Recognition on the agency website
- Recognition on scrolling “stay tuned” video before the start of virtual event
INDIVIDUAL - $100
- Ticket for 1 to virtual ball (each ticket includes appetizer, dessert & wine package from Martha’s Vineyard)
- Recognition on the agency website
FOR EACH SPONSOR / INDIVIDUAL TICKET, FOOD IS PACKAGED ONE APPETIZER & ONE DESSERT PER TICKET.
SIGNATURE DRINK KIT $25
Guests can add a signature drink kit(s) to any pickup order for $25! Kits include all the ingredients and tools to make two delicious mocktails, or add your favorite spirits to create a fabulous French cocktail. $5 from each signature drink kit will be returned to DABSJ to help children and families in our community.
Thank you to our generous 2020 sponsors!
CHAMPION SPONSORS
HERO SPONSOR
GUARDIAN SPONSOR
PATRON
Shanna Shillington-Bylsma Ameriprise Financial
Fishbeck
Dave and Lisa Greiner
Wendy Mack
Molina Health Care
Chip & Judy Perschbacher
Elizabeth Welch & Brian Schwartz
Bill & Pat Wanders
ADVOCATE
Scott & Sandy Barner
Mike and Mary Ann Crete
Anthony & Joelle Gauthier
Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry
Win & Kyle Irwin
Kyle & Mallory Korpalski
Lake Effect Studios Jewelry
Bob & Andie Rander
Jim & Kimberly Visser
FRIEND
Nancy Devon & Ken Hinton
David and Kathryn Dobrzelewski
Fifth Third Institutional Services
Alan & Cindy Hooker
Keith & Mary Kay Hopkins
Fredrick & Mary Host
Knapp Orthodontics
Terry & Deb Moore
Frank & Caryn Rossi
Brian & Janet Veldhouse
INDIVIDUALS & WISHES
Cindy Brown
Nick & Katy Buck
Barbara Cooper
Guy & Deb Lombardi
Robert Malone and Mary Callan Malone
Ronald & Karen Modreski
Dan & Karen O’Rourke
Marilyn Sullivan Cudhay