Save the date!

2024 mindshare gala

at houseman field
May 30 - 7:00pm

Learn how to become a part of this elite team of sponsors here.

You're invited to join us for an unforgettable evening at our annual Mindshare Gala! This year, we're bringing the excitement to historic Houseman Field in Grand Rapids, a venue steeped in athletic history.

As the starting ground for hometown heroes like former President Gerald R. Ford, as well as NFL players Rueben Riley and David Harris, this field holds a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts. 

Get ready to experience the thrill of being cheered into the stadium, where you’ll be transported back to the electrifying atmosphere of Friday night lights. It’s an evening that promises to be filled with fun, camaraderie, and the spirit of competition.

By joining team GRPS for our one-of-a-kind gala evening, you’ll be playing a vital role in inspiring our students, celebrating our dedicated teachers. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of our students and helps to build a brighter future for our community. Grab your letterman jacket or sweater and lace up your snazziest sneakers for a night on the field with the GRPS Foundation. It’s a blast from the past you won’t want to miss!

We can’t wait to have you with us as we come together to celebrate the power of sports, education, and community. Will you join us in making this gala a night to remember?

Mindshare guests will have the option to dinner between choices such as: 

  • Tuscan Chicken
    • Roasted Chicken w/ a Sun-dried Tomato and Spinach Cream Sauce
    • Roasted Redskin Potatoes
    • Broccolini
  • Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potato – GF + Vegetarian
    • Half a Roasted Sweet Potato stuffed w/ a Southwest Mix of Roasted vegetables, finished w/ a Lime Crema

Water, Soft Drinks, Iced Tea, Lemonade and Coffee will be provided as non-alcoholic options. 

There will be a hosted bar that includes beer and wine options as well. 

Mindshare’s annual gala is a formal event with cocktail attire encouraged. You can even get extra credit points for prom attire!

Distinguished Alumni 2023 Winners

Dave Custer, Ottawa Hills Alumni 65'
Lisa Lowery, Ottawa Hills Alumni 85'
Kenyatta Brame, City High Alumni 88'

Past Community Partners of the Year

Rockford Construction
Lake Michigan Credit Union
About the Foundation
The GRPS Foundation’s mission is to remove barriers and raise critical funds for key programs, projects, and resources so that every student learns, develops, and thrives. The Foundation supports the largest public school in West Michigan, and the 8th largest school district in Michigan. There are over 14,000 students who attend public school in Grand Rapids, and we hope that our work inspires them for future success. 
Funds Raised Support 

GRPS Programs for Sports, Art, Music, and Experiential Learning: GRPS offers a variety of programs to enrich students’ educational experience beyond traditional academics. These programs include sports teams for athletics, art classes or clubs for creative expression, music programs for musical education, and experiential learning opportunities that provide hands-on, real-world experiences to complement classroom learning.

Resource Support for Students: The Foundation provides additional resources to support students. This support might include providing warm gear for students in need during colder months, school supplies to ensure all students have the tools they need to succeed academically, and formal dresses to enable students to participate in formal events like dances or ceremonies.

Teacher Innovation Fund: The Teacher Innovation Fund is a program that provides mini grants to teachers. These grants enable teachers to implement innovative teaching methods, develop new educational materials, or create unique learning experiences for their students. This fund aims to support teachers in bringing their creative ideas to life in the classroom.

Teresa Weatherall Neal Principals Fund: The fund is designed to support GRPS principals in addressing any barriers that students may face in their educational journey. This support could include funding for resources, initiatives, or programs that aim to ensure that all students have an equitable opportunity to succeed in school.

Overall, these programs and initiatives demonstrate a commitment to providing a well-rounded education for students in the GRPS system, addressing both their academic and non-academic needs to support their overall growth and success. 

Mindshare Committee

Emily Cantor
Bob Chapla
Christopher Dean
Kellie Dean

Brendan Geary
Kristian Grant
Jonathan Harper
Becky Knack

Senita Lenear
Maggie Malone
India Manns
Brianne Pitchford

Alexis Reame
Monica Steimle App
Zachary Verhulst

Executive Board

Brendan Geary
Amy Turner Thole

Board of Directors

Misti Stanton
Monica Steimle App

Gretchen Mousel
Dr. Peter Knoester

Anne Marie Carson
Greg Rios
Max Gibbs
Raynard Ross
Bridget Cheney
Joe DiBenedetto

Mike Huff
Sommar Boese
Javier Cervantes
Charissa C. Huang
Dr. Leadriane Roby
Paul Lee

Tim Duflo 
Emily Cantor
Alexis Reame
Matt Marlow
Tony Baker, Pd.D. 
Ruth Posthumus

Our Mission: Cultivating community resources to enrich educational
experiences and remove barriers so every student learns, develops, and thrives.

Thank You to our 2023 Sponsors!

SUCCEEDING:
GROWING:
Joan P Secchia Foundation
INSPIRING:
Barb and Mitt Rohwer
Norm and Marilyn Levin
Ruth Posthumus & Marlin Feyen
COmmunity Partner of the Year Award Co-Sponsor
Distinguished Alumni Award Co-Sponsor