Events From: Gift of Life Michigan

Volunteer: 2026 Capitol Rally-Lansing

This 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. annual event is our largest in Lansing and features display tables from transplant centers, advocacy groups and more. Lunch is free and a short program will begin at noon with a moving March of Honor to the capitol steps by donor families, transplant recipients and their families, patients on the waiting list and others. If you have a personal connection, I also encourage you to participate in this special procession.  It promises to be an inspiring day at the state capitol.   

This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of many of our staff and volunteers. If you would like to help the day of the Rally, please reach out to me, Nikki Becerra (dbecerra@golm.org) about volunteer opportunities.

We currently have 35 available volunteer slots. Please take a look at the available opportunities below.

TimeRole# NeededDescriptionVariesBus Leads3Gift of Life employee to ride each bus, transport bus bags

1Ann Arbor - 

2Grand Rapids - 

3Detroit - 9:30-11:00 and 1:00-2:00Set-up/Tear-down6Set-up tables, posters, anything that can be done in advance

1


2


3


4


5


6
9:30-11:00Parking1Monitor/oversee reserved parking

1Margarita Cerezo11:00-1:00Partner Tent2Monitor tent/guide traffic

1


2
11:00-1:00Partner Tent2Gift of Life Michigan table

1


2
11:00-1:00Partner Tent2MOTTEP table

1


2
11:00-1:00Comfort Blanket-Making2Assist attendees with tying comfort blankets

1Jim Palmer

2
11:00-1:00Food/Posters6Help Pass out food/ sign making/flag signing

1Austin car


2 Betty Carr

3


4


5


6
11:30-12:30March Assistants82 co-captains, 6 assistants to help keep marchers organized

1Chris Kowalksi

2Wendy Smith 

3


4


5


6


7


8
11:45-12:30Photo assistants on steps4Assist marchers with finding spots on steps for photos

1Amanda Garza

2Becky May- katzenbach

3Deb Wyant

4
11:00-1:00pmHartley2Help with Hartley

1Hartley - Bill Solodon

2Handler - 



Program: Annual Events

This 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. annual event is our largest in Lansing and features display tables from transplant centers, advocacy groups and more. Lunch is free and a short program will begin at noon with a moving March of Honor to the capitol steps by donor families, transplant recipients and their families, patients on the waiting list and others. If you have a personal connection, I also encourage you to participate in this special procession.  It promises to be an inspiring day at the state capitol.   

This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of many of our staff and volunteers. If you would like to help the day of the Rally, please reach out to me, Nikki Becerra (dbecerra@golm.org) about volunteer opportunities.

We currently have 35 available volunteer slots. Please take a look at the available opportunities below.

TimeRole# NeededDescriptionVariesBus Leads3Gift of Life employee to ride each bus, transport bus bags

1Ann Arbor - 

2Grand Rapids - 

3Detroit - 9:30-11:00 and 1:00-2:00Set-up/Tear-down6Set-up tables, posters, anything that can be done in advance

1


2


3


4


5


6
9:30-11:00Parking1Monitor/oversee reserved parking

1Margarita Cerezo11:00-1:00Partner Tent2Monitor tent/guide traffic

1


2
11:00-1:00Partner Tent2Gift of Life Michigan table

1


2
11:00-1:00Partner Tent2MOTTEP table

1


2
11:00-1:00Comfort Blanket-Making2Assist attendees with tying comfort blankets

1Jim Palmer

2
11:00-1:00Food/Posters6Help Pass out food/ sign making/flag signing

1Austin car


2 Betty Carr

3


4


5


6
11:30-12:30March Assistants82 co-captains, 6 assistants to help keep marchers organized

1Chris Kowalksi

2Wendy Smith 

3


4


5


6


7


8
11:45-12:30Photo assistants on steps4Assist marchers with finding spots on steps for photos

1Amanda Garza

2Becky May- katzenbach

3Deb Wyant

4
11:00-1:00pmHartley2Help with Hartley

1Hartley - Bill Solodon

2Handler - 



Program: Annual Events

Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jun 11, 2026

Zip Code: 48933

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Hartley at the Capitol Rally

Hello Gift of Life Michigan volunteers,

We are planning to have our Annual Capitol Rally on June 11,2026.

We are hoping to have Hartley our mascot participate in this event again this year.

Be warned it is a HOT volunteer role.

We need one volunteer to act as Hartley and one volunteer to help Hartley move around the venue. If you would like to learn more about being Hartley please see the information below:

Who is Hartley T?

Program: Annual Events

Hello Gift of Life Michigan volunteers,

We are planning to have our Annual Capitol Rally on June 11,2026.

We are hoping to have Hartley our mascot participate in this event again this year.

Be warned it is a HOT volunteer role.

We need one volunteer to act as Hartley and one volunteer to help Hartley move around the venue. If you would like to learn more about being Hartley please see the information below:

Who is Hartley T?

Program: Annual Events

Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jun 11, 2026

Zip Code: 48933

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Donate Life Community Breakfast- Grand Blanc

Save the Date!

Gift of Life's Flint Community Action Group is hosting the second annual Donate Life Community Breakfast to inspire, educate and bring people together to celebrate the loving gift of organ, eye and tissue donation.

When: Thursday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to Noon

Where: Captain's Club Golf and Event Center, Grand Blanc

Who: Everyone is welcome!

Cost: This event is free to the community

Donate Life Community Breakfast Flyer

Program: Annual Events

Save the Date!

Gift of Life's Flint Community Action Group is hosting the second annual Donate Life Community Breakfast to inspire, educate and bring people together to celebrate the loving gift of organ, eye and tissue donation.

When: Thursday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to Noon

Where: Captain's Club Golf and Event Center, Grand Blanc

Who: Everyone is welcome!

Cost: This event is free to the community

Donate Life Community Breakfast Flyer

Program: Annual Events

Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Apr 23, 2026

Zip Code: 48439

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Donate Life Night at the John Ball Zoo - Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. – Gift of Life Michigan welcomes the West Michigan community to an evening of connection and celebration at the annual Donate Life Night at John Ball Zoo on Thurs., July 17 from 6-9 pm. This after-hours event is dedicated to honoring organ, eye and tissue donors, celebrating transplant recipients and encouraging more residents to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.  

Guests can enjoy full access to the zoo’s animal exhibits, free face painting, ice cream, live music, and activities hosted by local community partners. A highlight of the evening will be the Celebration of Life Trail, a touching tribute showcasing the stories and memories of donors and recipients whose lives were forever changed through donation.  “Donate Life Night at the Zoo is a meaningful way for us to come together with the West Michigan transplant community,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “It’s a time to honor the incredible generosity of donors and highlight the powerful stories of those whose lives have been transformed through transplantation.” 

WHEN: Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6 - 9 PM (Volunteers may need to arrive earlier, please check back for those updates!)

WHERE: John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids MI, 49504

WHAT: Explore John Ball Zoo, check out resources from our community partners, and enjoy meeting other donor families, transplant recipients and supporters of organ, eye and tissue donation. We'll also honor donors and recipients on the Celebration of Life Trail, an important feature you don't want to miss.

COST: $5 donation per person is recommended Questions? Contact zoo@golm.org.

More than 2,600 Michigan patients are waiting for a lifesaving transplant.  The best way to save lives is by joining the Donor Registry. To register or learn more about the donation process, visit giftoflifemichigan.org

If you are interested in volunteering at this event please sign up using the link below.

https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/0115066039/false#/invitation

Best,

Program: Annual Events

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. – Gift of Life Michigan welcomes the West Michigan community to an evening of connection and celebration at the annual Donate Life Night at John Ball Zoo on Thurs., July 17 from 6-9 pm. This after-hours event is dedicated to honoring organ, eye and tissue donors, celebrating transplant recipients and encouraging more residents to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.  

Guests can enjoy full access to the zoo’s animal exhibits, free face painting, ice cream, live music, and activities hosted by local community partners. A highlight of the evening will be the Celebration of Life Trail, a touching tribute showcasing the stories and memories of donors and recipients whose lives were forever changed through donation.  “Donate Life Night at the Zoo is a meaningful way for us to come together with the West Michigan transplant community,” said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “It’s a time to honor the incredible generosity of donors and highlight the powerful stories of those whose lives have been transformed through transplantation.” 

WHEN: Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6 - 9 PM (Volunteers may need to arrive earlier, please check back for those updates!)

WHERE: John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids MI, 49504

WHAT: Explore John Ball Zoo, check out resources from our community partners, and enjoy meeting other donor families, transplant recipients and supporters of organ, eye and tissue donation. We'll also honor donors and recipients on the Celebration of Life Trail, an important feature you don't want to miss.

COST: $5 donation per person is recommended Questions? Contact zoo@golm.org.

More than 2,600 Michigan patients are waiting for a lifesaving transplant.  The best way to save lives is by joining the Donor Registry. To register or learn more about the donation process, visit giftoflifemichigan.org

If you are interested in volunteering at this event please sign up using the link below.

https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/0115066039/false#/invitation

Best,

Program: Annual Events

Event Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Jul 16, 2026

Zip Code: 49504

Allow Groups: No