Celebrating 80 Years of Hope
December 2, 2026
Each year, over 25,000 neighbors are served through our programs, and behind every story is a ripple effect—children finding stability, families growing stronger, and futures being reshaped for generations because of your support. Our annual Raising Hope dinner celebrate the impact you’ve helped make across West Michigan.
On Wednesday, December 2, enjoy an inspiring evening at Frederik Meijer Gardens featuring Dr. Kimberly Henkel, along with dinner and refreshments, as together we honor 80 years of impact, and the generational change still to come.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kimberly Henkel
Dr. Kimberly Henkel is the Founder and Executive Director of Springs of Love, a ministry to encourage, educate and equip Catholics to discern and live out the call to foster and adopt. She is also Co-Founder of Springs in the Desert, a sister ministry to Springs of Love, that is dedicated to spiritually and emotionally accompanying those struggling with infertility and loss.
In 2024, Kimberly was named one of OSV News’ 10 Catholics of the Year, alongside Cardinal Seán O’Malley, legendary actor Bob Newhart, WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark, and others. She was selected for her work in raising awareness of foster care as a pro-life issue.
Kimberly and her husband of 16 years, Greg, have fostered and are adoptive parents to four young children in rural Ohio.
Sponsorship
Have multiple guests that would like to attend? Consider sponsoring our event!
Have questions? Reach out to Sarah Stechschulte at sstechschulte@ccwestmi.org or (616) 551-5663.
Event Sponsor Level and Benefits
Catholic Charities West Michigan Certified
- Exclusive table at the event for 8 persons
- Admission to VIP Reception
- Certificate of Community Reinvestment
- Creative approval for event signage/media
- Social media highlight spots post and prior to event
- Press interview opportunity
Public Recognition
- Full page acknowledgement in the event program (5.5″ W x 8.5″ H)
- Logo on all event marketing materials
- Verbal recognition during dinner
- Logo on all communications/print materials and linked on our website
Catholic Charities West Michigan Certified
- Exclusive table at the event for 8 persons
- Admission to VIP Reception
- Certificate of Community Reinvestment
- Social media highlight spots post and prior to event
- Press interview opportunity
Public Recognition
- Three-quarter page acknowledgement in the event program (5.5″ W x 6.4″ H)
- Logo on all event marketing materials
- Verbal recognition during dinner
Catholic Charities West Michigan Certified
- Premier table at the event for 8 persons
- Admission to VIP Reception
- Certificate of Community Reinvestment
- Social media highlight spots post and prior to event
- Press mentions during interviews
Public Recognition
- Half-page acknowledgement in the event program (5.5″W x 4.25″H)
- Logo on all event marketing materials
- Verbal recognition during dinner
Catholic Charities West Michigan Certified
- Premier table at the event for 8 persons
- Admission to VIP Reception
- Certificate of Community Reinvestment
- Social media highlight spots post and prior to event
Public Recognition
- One-quarter page acknowledgement in the event program (5.5″ W x 2.1″ H or 2.75″ W x 4.25″)
- Placement of company logo and link on website
Catholic Charities West Michigan Certified
- Table at the event for 8 persons
- Admission to VIP Reception
- Certificate of Community Reinvestment
Public Recognition
- Business card size acknowledgement in the event program
- Placement of company logo and link on website
Catholic Charities West Michigan Certified
- Table at the event for 8 persons
- Certificate of Community Reinvestment
Public Recognition
- Name listed in event program and website
Ready to sponsor? Complete the packet below and return to sstechschulte@ccwestmi.org.
Admission
Join us for an inspiring evening at Frederik Meijer Gardens as we celebrate 80 years of impact and the generational change still to come. To register as a guest, please fill out the form below.
Raising Hope 2026 Event Registration
Stories of Hope
Raising Hope give us the opportunity to gather together and give back to our community in need, rewriting lives with hope as our narrative. These are West Michigan’s stories of hope penned by your generosity.
Click below to view each story.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
PREMIER SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
John and Mary Hendrickson
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
Mark and Elizabeth Murray
BRONZE SPONSORS
Michael and Hannah Naltner
Dr. Matthew and Mrs. Katie Tate
Michael and Hannah Naltner
Drew and Mackenzie Anderson
Michael and Hannah Naltner
Jim and Katie Hudson
Matt and Kate Tate
Russ and Chris Visner
Jason Miller
Dr. James and Katie Hudson
Russ and Chris Visner
TABLE HOSTS
Aquinas College/Dominican Sisters
Dr. John and Mary Hartmann
Ronald and Joan Griffith
Susan Griffith
Dave and Jan Harris
Elizabeth Deimel
TABLE HOSTS
Dr. John and Mary Hartmann
Ronald and Joan Griffith
St. Robert’s School Families
Greg and Susan Griffith
Andy and Maria Young
