In celebration of 50 years of sharing stories, voices, and perspectives from our West Michigan community and the broader world around us, join WGVU Public Media for a milestone 50th Anniversary. In partnership with our community, we will build a bright future for generations to come, using the powers of public media to educate, inform, inspire, and entertain.

Hosted at the beautiful Amway Grand Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids, this gala will convene more than 400 guests, along with prominent local and national journalists, storytellers, and entertainers. West Michigan’s business, civic leaders, and fans of public media will enjoy food, drinks, mingling with PBS and NPR talent, and taking pictures with their favorite PBS Kids characters.

Funds raised from this event provide critical support to WGVU Public Media, West Michigan’s accessible and commercial-free home for world class reporting, dynamic programming for all ages, and impactful educational resources.

WGVU Public Media is a non-profit, non-commercial public media station offering television, radio, digital content, and educational services without cost to 24 counties in West Michigan. 

Honorary Co-Chairs

Mark & Mary Beth Meijer
Bill & India Manns
Dr. Juan & Mary Olivarez

About the Event:

When: Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 - 7:00pm

Where: Amway Grand Plaza Ambassador Ballroom. 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 

What: Celebrate this milestone event with WGVU and enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment all while supporting public media for your community.

Become a partner in serving West Michigan by sponsoring this milestone celebration of 50 years of non-commercial public television and radio in our community. Sponsorship support is a meaningful way to invest in the future of local and national public media content and educational services for the next generation. Together, we build a bright future for West Michigan and support lifelong learning for all!

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Explore the World Presenting Sponsor:

 

Fund the Mission Sponsors: Anonymous and Jim & Donna Brooks

Celebrate the Arts Sponsors: Lake Michigan Credit Union, PNC Bank, Gentex, and Life EMS

Sharing, Caring, and Imagination Sponsors: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan, Corewell Health, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Wealth Management, Great American Bagel, John Ball Zoo, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Mike & Sue Jandernoa, Mitchell Real Estate Collective, Varnum LLP, and Bill & India Manns

Stories With Heart Sponsors: Allegiance Group, Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter, AHC Hospitality, Carl Bloom & Associates, City of Grand Rapids, Comerica Bank, Dr. Juan & Mary Olivarez, Experience Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Grand Valley State University Center for Education Partnerships, GVSU University Relations, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, Pageworks, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, Wege Foundation, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids