Events From: Gift of Life Michigan

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 WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP FOR ANY OF THE ROLES LISTED BELOW. PLEASE CLICK THE LINK 2026 DONATE LIFE NIGHT AT THE ZOO VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION LINK

Annually, Gift of Life Michigan MOTTEP Hosts a 5k/10k run to help uplift the message of Donation.

This year we have relocated the event to Rouge Park in Detroit.

This is a fun family affair. 100 volunteers are needed for this event. If you are interested in signing up for this opportunity, please click the link to register.

Below are the areas that we need help.

SET UP 20 volunteers needed

Cafe 10 volunteers needed

Kids Korner 3 volunteers needed

Volunteercheck in 2 volunteers needed

Registration 8 volunteers needed

Water stations 10 volunteers needed

Parking lot 2-3 volunteers needed 

Circle of Life Garden 3 volunteers needed

Partnership tent 2 volunteers needed

Health Fair Tent 6 volunteers needed

Break Down 20 volunteers needed

If you are interested in signing up to volunteer or participate in the run/walk, please do so by clicking one of the two the links below.

Click here to participate in Life Walk/Run

Click here to volunteer