By Michael Caples –
On Friday, the Griffins are going purple once again.
The Van Andel Institute will be presenting the third annual Grand Rapids Griffins Purple Community game on March 7 at Van Andel Arena. The game, in association with the VAI’s grassroots fundraising program Purple Community, will raise funds for cancer and neurodegenerative disease research at Van Andel Institute.
Fourteen-year-old Ethan Miller will partake in a ceremonial puck drop to start the Purple Community game; Miller has been fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia for more than a year.
“People need to know more about this disease,” said Miller’s mother, Barb. “We have to get the word out there and find a cure.”
Long-time Griffins goal judge Harold “Doc” Pierce, who has throat cancer, will join Miller on the ice for the puck drop.
More about the game:
“The Griffins Purple Community game is an event that brings the impact of cancer home to the community,” said Nick Duesbery, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Center for Cancer and Cell Biology and Head of the Laboratory of Cancer and Developmental Cell Biology at VAI. “It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the pervasiveness of disease and highlight the groundbreaking research taking place to stop it.”
Duesbery’s lab is focused on finding new ways to fight cancers such as melanoma and to provide insight into soft-tissue cancers called sarcomas. In addition to his work in the lab, Duesbery is a volunteer coach with the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation and a lifelong hockey fan who enjoys the annual Griffins event. Labs like Duesbery’s benefit from the funds raised at Purple Community events.
The Purple Pack, an exclusive ticket package, is offered for the game for $25 and includes a lower bowl seat, 2014 Griffins Purple Community Game t-shirt and the opportunity to be part of an on-ice group photo with a Griffins player following the game. A portion of each Purple Pack sold is donated to VAI and can be purchased through the Griffins’ website at www.griffinshockey.com/purple.
The Griffins will wear custom purple jerseys Friday that will be auctioned following the game. All proceeds from the auction benefit Purple Community and Van Andel Institute.
“When you support Van Andel Institute, you truly have the chance to impact the future of human health,” said Nikki Outhier, Purple Community National Programs Manager. “We’re thankful to be working once again with our partners the Grand Rapids Griffins who continue to support our mission year after year.”
Purple Community coordinates the efforts of students, businesses and community members who want to support cancer and neurodegenerative disease research. Purple Community raises funds for Van Andel Institute through basketball games, golf tournaments, mountain bike races and more.
About Van Andel Institute – Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute is an independent research organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding the frontiers of medical science, and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process. This is accomplished through the work of over 200 researchers in more than 20 on-site laboratories and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. 100% To Research, Discovery & Hope®.
Find out more about Van Andel Institute by visiting www.vai.org
About Purple Community® – Purple Community 100% Hope℠ is Van Andel Institute’s grassroots fundraising initiative which connects people who want to join the fight against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s, to the resources needed for action. It provides individualized tools and customized support to people who want to create awareness and fundraising opportunities in their communities. Purple Community gives local action global potential. All fundraising and awareness activities organized through Purple Community fund research and science education at Van Andel Institute. 100% to Research, Discovery & Hope®.
Find out more about Purple Community by visiting www.PurpleCommunity.org