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
- Team Captain: Nancy Blodgett
- Volunteers: 8 for setup at 4:00 PM, 8 for teardown at 8:30 PM. (16 total)
- Team Captain: Heather Benard
- Volunteers: 3 for setup at 3:30 PM, 3 for teardown at 6:45 PM. (6 total)
- Team Captain: Wendy Smith
- Volunteers: 2 for setup at 4:30 PM, 2 for interaction 5:00 PM–8:00 PM, 2 for teardown at 8:30 PM.
- Team Captain: Cathy Warren
- Volunteers: 3 for greeting 5:00 PM–7:00 PM.
- Team Captain: Cathy Searing
- Volunteers: 2 from 5:00 PM–8:00 PM.
- Team Captain: Brittany Derringer
- Volunteers: 3 for setup at 4:30 PM, 3 for teardown at 7:30 PM.
- Team Captain: Dawn Campbell
- Volunteers: 2 from 3:30 PM–7:00 PM.
- Team Captain: Cathy Warren/Dani Reisbig/ Sami /Nikki
- Volunteers: 2 for the tent.
- Team Captain: Michael Jones
- Volunteers: 5 for setup at 4:00 PM, 5 for teardown at 8:00 PM. (10 total)
