Hearts of Gold
The 2024 Hearts of Gold partner organization is Beer City Dog Biscuits!
Sponsorship opportunities are available, click here to learn more.Hearts of Gold
Hearts of Gold
About Us
Hearts of Gold is a community fundraiser in East Grand Rapids where students, parents, educators, administrators and community members come together to raise funds and generate awareness for a local nonprofit organization.
| Co-Chairs: | |
| Ellen Cherveny | Kerry Hegele |
| Committee Members: | |
| Mary Beth Brown | Alissandra Kruer |
| Sarah Calnan | Amanda McKenna |
| Courtney Cinglie | Katie Millman |
| Ketti Collins | Whitney Renner |
| Karrie Gumina | Katie Stein |
| Beth Hoekstra | Teri Tesseris |
| Lauren Jacoby | Julie Vangessel |
| Sara DeGoa | Julie Wiseman |
| Student Leaders: | |
| Lily Adloff | JC Poortenga |
| Liv Bolling | Matt Rose |
| Gavin Buck | Catherine Schellhammer |
| Vivian Cherveny | Kate Simon |
| Emmalin Cinglie | Wyatt Stein |
| Sydney Collins | Zoe Sorota |
| Lia DeGoa | Grace Taylor |
| Garrett Dill | Luke Vangessel |
| Hillary Griffin | James Weiner |
| Avery Leete | Lexi Wiseman |
| MC Millman |
History
Hearts of Gold began in 2009 when the football team decided to play a game benefiting Helen DeVos Children's Hospital after losing a fellow student to childhood cancer.
Hearts of Gold has become a well-established tradition within the EGR community, underscoring the importance of philanthropy and making a contribution towards the welfare of others. The program has brought attention to the capacity of every individual, regardless of age, to make a positive difference. Hearts of Gold has raised more than $1 million supporting local nonprofit organizations.
| Hearts of Gold Past Partners | |
|
2023 iUnderstand
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2022 Children’s Healing Center
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| 2021 Family Promise | 2019 Epilepsy Foundation |
| 2018 Children’s Advocacy Center Basket | 2017 Kids Food |
| 2016 Arbor Circle | 2015 Ele’s Place |
| 2014 Billy Bear Foundation | 2013 Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan |
| 2012 Gold is the New Pink HDVCH | 2009-2011 HDVCH |
Sponsors
Current Partner
The Hearts of Gold committee is excited to announce Beer City Dog Biscuits as the 2024 partner organization. Please visit their website to learn more https://www.beercitydogbiscuits.org
Beer City Dog Biscuits (BCDB), a nonprofit founded by EGR alums Suzanne (Schuler) Wilcox ‘80 and Leslie (Wiener) Hooker ‘83, who recognized a need for their sons, EGR alums Tanis ‘11 and Gavin ‘15, and the greater intellectual and developmental disabled (IDD) community. BCDB provides vocational training and employment for IDD individuals (Brew Bakers) by making delicious, hand-made dog treats and other products. BCDB tailors every aspect of the organization to empower and meet the unique abilities of each Brew Baker and continuously considers, "If there is a job to do, can a Brew Baker do it?". Those with disabilities are essential; without their presence in our workplaces, neighborhoods, places of worship, and schools, our community is incomplete!
Suzanne and Leslie are also the 2024 EGR Schools Foundation Community Service and Leadership Award recipients.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, please click here to learn more.
Partner Application
The 2024 application is now closed. The next application cycle will open in January 2026.
The application asks for the following information:
- Name and address of the organization
- Contact information for the Executive Director and anyone else that will be involved
- Website and social channels actively used
- Must be 501(c)(3)
- Must have a Grand Rapids presence
- What is the organization’s Mission Statement?
- What is the annual operating budget?
- Does the organization have staff or volunteers to support Hearts of Gold?
- Is there a personal connection to East Grand Rapids?
- Why does this organization want to partner with EGR Hearts of Gold?
- Is there a specific program or project the funds raised would go towards?