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.
Thank you to all those you attended and supported the Guild Ball, A Night Of Love!
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 SPONSORS
Jeff and Erin Needham
HERO SPONSOR
Chris & Russ Visner
Greg & Meg Willit
GUARDIAN SPONSOR
Scott and Mary Brady
Liz & Brendan Geary
Terry and Margie Griffith
Integrated Architecture
John & Ann Mooney
PATRON
Shanna Shillington-Bylsma Ameriprise Financial
Applied Imaging
BASIX
Erhardt Construction
Fishbeck
David & Lisa Greiner
Molina Health Care
Nelson Family Dental
Chip & Judy Perschbacher
Bill & Pat Waanders
Elizabeth Welch & Brian Schwartz
ADVOCATE
Scott & Sandy Barner
Bjorn Bylsma and Shanna Shillington-Bylsma
Lauren and Brian Cohen
Ryan & Mary Cook
Mike and Mary Ann Crete
Bill and Margie Darooge
Dominican Sisters - Grand Rapids
Ryan and Stephanie Formsma
Anthony & Joelle Gauthier
Hamilton Pediatric Dentistry
Win & Kyle Irwin
Kyle & Mallory Korpalski
Lake Effect Studios Jewelry
Karen and Bill Lawrence
Bob & Andie Rander
Scott and Renee Vaughan-Dwyer
Jim & Kimberly Visser
FRIEND
Ryan and Andrea Bailey
Alicia Cook
Nancy Devon & Ken Hinton
David and Kathryn Dobrzelewski
Fifth Third Institutional Services
Casey and Nancy Gillespie
Mike & Janice Graham
Jeremiah and Tess Hawkins
Alan & Cindy Hooker
Hope Network Foundation
Keith & Mary Kay Hopkins
Fredrick & Mary Host
Thomas and Cassandra Kehoe
Knapp Orthodontics
Maggie Lawrence
Paul & Sharon Loughridge
The Lupp Family
Terry & Deb Moore
Thomas and Laura Murphy
Larry & Shirley Price
Pete and Emily Rahrig
Frank & Caryn Rossi
Ryan Sischo and Kate Sischo Zell
Jack and Mary Serra Veneklase
Brian & Janet Veldhouse
Michael & Rebecca Vredenburg
Rachel Wisner
Lee and Eric Wolff
INDIVIDUALS & WISHES
Haley Abbas
Gwynnie Anderton
Bechtel Family
Jared and Michelle Bechtel
Mike and Leah Bell
Dave Blaszkiewicz
Brad and Shuling Bloye
Adam and Tricia Boot
Aaron Bowersox
Eric Bowersox
Cindy Brown
Nick and Katy Buck
Anthony and Andrea Caruso
Jen Coe
Don and Sue Condit
Barbara E. Cooper
Jocelyn Dettloff
Derek and Wanda Drozdzak
Maria Filice
Scott Flack
Alex Flory
Nicholas Flory
Dana Franzoi
David and Martha Gabrielse
Tim and Shannon Graber
Christy May Graceffa
Michael and Laura Hopson
Mike and Jennifer Kelly
Missy Kellepourey
Arielle Kohler
Jerry and Alice Kryszak
Guy and Deb Lombardi
Lott Family
Kate and Adam MacRae
Robert Malone and Mary Callan Malone
Laura McCloud
Ronald and Karen Modreski
Megan Moriarty Rogers
Jim Mullen
Matt & Elizabeth Nelson
Dr. Karen O'Rourke and Mr. Daniel O'Rourke
Jim and Gail Rogers
Danielle and Kurt Schmiege
John Schrems
Shannon Orthodontics
Chris and Lauren Sherman
Margaret Shimkus
Larry and Denise Spaulding
Ed Spillers, DABSJ Board Member | Keller Williams Commercial Realtor
Marilyn Sullivan Cudahy
Robert and Stephanie Sundholm
Doug and Wanda Taylor
Donna Tefft
Kathryn and Brett Visner
Waz Family
Marty and Liz Wilholt
Mike and Deb Wolfsen
Kevin York
PRINTING PARTNER
