Van Andel Institute Presents Couture for a Cure - Grand Rapid's Premier Fashion Event

More than 500 guests are expected to attend this night benefiting the Institute's biomedical research and science education initiatives

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Van Andel Institute

Oct 07, 2014, 05:52 ET

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The 9^th annual Couture for a Cure takes place on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Van Andel Institute. The fashion-forward evening features a runway show highlighting the work of renowned fashion designer, Kevan Hall, a strolling dinner and elegant cocktails. Grand Rapid's-based women's retailer, Leigh's, will also present upcoming designer collections. All proceeds from this year's event benefit Van Andel Institute's groundbreaking biomedical research initiatives into cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases, as well as the Institute's science education programs. Couture for a Cure is the only fashion event of its kind in West Michigan and has continued to grow in popularity since it was first organized by Carol Van Andel, executive director of the David and Carol Van Andel Foundation, and Rebecca Wierda, owner of Leigh's.

For more information on Van Andel Institute's cancer and neurodegenerative disease research and science education initiatives, visit vai.org. (PRNewsFoto/Van Andel Institute ) (PRNewsFoto/Van Andel Institute)

"Couture for a Cure is a wonderful event that celebrates the creativity and passion of the great fashion designers of our time, and it's a unique way for people who live in West Michigan to enjoy an elegant night out while directly impacting the very important research and science education programs at the Institute," Van Andel said. "When we started Couture for a Cure, we had only a few dozen guests, but last year we had more than 500 people attend the event, and when I reflect on how that impacts the mission of research, discovery and hope, it makes me very proud."

While the majority of the evening is fashion-focused, a portion of the evening is used to place a spotlight on the Institute's mission. This year, the event highlights the work of Dr. Jeff MacKeigan and Dr. Matt Steensma, two Van Andel Research Institute principal investigators who have done research that benefits children living with rare diseases.

Tickets for Couture for a Cure are $100 each, or $150 for VIP tickets that include reserved front row runway seating. Tickets can be purchased at www.vai.org.

CONTACT:	Frank Adam Brenner
	Communications & Marketing Associate II
	Van Andel Institute
	[email protected]
	616.234.5809
	Cell: 773.615.1630