Events From: Gift of Life Michigan

WE DO NOT NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS, ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

10 DAYS AWAY!

REGISTRATION IS FREE & get a discount on the 2027 KCD Transplant Symposium

The Detroit MOTTEP Foundation invites you to join us for the 2026 Kountz Callender Drew Transplant Dialogue, "Where Compassion Meets Innovation". This powerful educational forum brings together leading experts, donor families, and community advocates to explore the life-saving impact of organ donation, advances in transplant research, and strategies to support mental health and wellness. Through inspiring personal stories and cutting-edge insights, this dialogue highlights how compassion, science, and community partnership work together to improve health outcomes and save lives in multicultural communities. 

“This training/event has been approved by the NASW-Michigan Chapter for 2.0 synchronous General social work CEs."

Hello Gift of Life Michigan Volunteers,

Team Michigan is hosting a fundraiser for the team to go to this year's Transplant of Games of America in Denver.

We are not looking for volunteers for this event. 

If you are interested in participating in this event, please click the link below for more information.

2026 Grand Rapids TGA Bowling Fundraiser Doc

There is also an opportunity for any willing person to donate a raffle basket. If you are interested in donating one please sign up using the link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CADAE2EABF85-56667194-woodland

Hello Gift of Life Michigan Volunteers,

You are all invited to participate at the event below.

We do not currently need volunteer help for this,  but if you would like to attend or need additional information please contact Deb Wyant at 231-571-8253.

Hello Gift of Life Michigan Volunteers,

Hartley our Mascot, has been asked to attend this years Gift of Life Michigan Inspiring Champions Symposium at Ford field.

Roary, the Lions mascot will also be in attendance.

We need one volunteer to act as Hartley and one volunteer  to act as their handler.

If you would like more information about being Hartley please see that information linked below:

Who is Hartley T?

Here are the details:
Date: Thursday, 5/14
Time: The event runs from 9-4:10, but the Hartley performance will be from around 3-4:10
Location: Ford Field, Detroit
Parking: We will provide a code for free parking across from the stadium
Dressing room: A suite has been reserved for Hartley’s exclusive use.

The educational part of the Symposium will run from 9-3, and then attendees will be given a behind-the-scenes tour of Ford Field. They’ll go in groups of approximately 30, and tour the stadium in a round-robin route, so that they can get everyone through at the same time (approximately 3:10-4:10).
One of the tour stops (*fingers crossed nothing changes*) will be the field. We’ve secured Roary to be at this location for pictures, and we’d like to have Hartley join him.
Ford Field is much more protective of their field than the Big House is, so while there will be an opportunity to take photos, they don’t allow footballs or playing on the field.

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.

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?

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

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