Eights for Hope is the Grand Rapids Rowing Association's way to support local cancer research initiatives through rowing! 

We are pleased to partner with the Van Andel Institute as a community partner for this event. Our goal in 2011 was to raise funds for the cause by donating all pledged money and entry fees for rowers participating in several races in the Grand Regatta (also the rowing event for the State Games of Michigan) on June 25. 

All entry fees for the women's, men's and mixed recreational 8 events, as well as the mixed open 8, were donated to the Van Andel Institute. Additionally, participants were encouraged to raise pledges or donations for the event.

In Eights for Hope's first year, over $5000
was raised for the Van Andel Research Institute!

Thank you to the following fundraisers and donors for your generous help!

Walt Alexander, Amway Corporation, Becca Anderson, Aryn Bartley, Landon Bartley, Lynn and Tom Bartley, Marie Braun, Susan Burke, Don and Joan Byers, Kirk C., Judy Carmein, Ann Dabkowski, Rachael DeWitt, Jill Evert, Sandra Ewens, Amby Gallagher, Nancy Hart, Pam Hegarty, DeAnna Heindel, Laurie Hoogterp, Art Jernstadt, Bryan Judge, Cynthia Koch, Will Koeppel, David Kowalski, Anne Kramer, Chuck Klotz, Aeyoung Lee, the Lowell Crew Club, Nancy Long, Paulette Longwell, David Russell, Jim Russell, Jackie Marquardt, Jacque Marshall, Kathy and Ron McGilton, Sam McPherson, Michelle Metro, Sarah Montambo, Rachel Norkin, Marleah Overeiner, Rachel Perley, Richard and Sheryl Rosenberg, Joseph Rowan, Julie Rowan, Craig & Kerri Scarborough, Brian Schnell, A. Scott, Jessica Soutas, Mike Stemo, John Stepanovich, Jennie Taylor, Jessica Treat, Greg Walczewski, Sarah Walczewski, Carol Wigent, Sonia Van Bragt, Christy van den Broeck, Christopher VanderTol, Amanda Waterhouse, Chun-I Wu, Granny Zig

If you are interested in taking part in the 2012 Eights for Hope campaign, please contact Sarah Walczewski at sarah@grrowing.org, and keep an eye on this page for more information!

New! Check out pictures from the races on the Eights for Hope facebook page!

Press coverage of Eights for Hope

"Meijer State Games of Michigan rowers raise money for Van Andel Cancer Research Institute"
Grand Rapids Press, Grand Rapids, MI. June 26, 2011

"Grand Rapids Rowing Association gets Mayor Heartwell on the Grand River"
Grand Rapids Press, Grand Rapids, MI. May 27, 2011

"Eights for Hope" Facebook Page

"Community for a Cure" Facebook Page

Fox 17 Coverage, June 22, 2011

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We also had a great opportunity to present a check to Mr. Van Andel himself... sort of...!