I had a wonderful experience the other night attending a fundraiser for Helen DeVos Children's Hospital that was held at Celebration Cinema.  It was a premier of the movie What If, which is coming out in the next few weeks.  The event had two-fold meaning for me.  First of all, it was amazing to see the community support for the work we do at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, particularly from our lead partner for the event, Varnum, which helped sponsor this event for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation.

Before the movie, we watched a video about a premature baby whose life was saved by our cardiology team, through heart catheterization, open heart surgery and lots of time in our children's hospital.  People also spoke about what the children's hospital has meant to their families and loved ones. 

I was there with my Mom and Dad and I leaned over and said, "I am so proud that I get to work there every day!" 

There was another reason I was proud and that was because my Dad, who is a local actor, had a role in the movie.  The movie was filmed exclusively in Grand Rapids and Manistee.  It made me reflect on all of the things that we are building in West Michigan that are so positive.  We have a growing medical center that can provide the highest level of care, great jobs for residents in our community and a feeling of overall excitement about the rapidly developing Michigan-based film industry. 

While watching the film I saw the new children's hospital featured in a view looking up of the Michigan Street hill.  I reflected on what a generous community we have.  To have a resource like this in a community this size is really something to be proud of.  Did you know that there have been over 4,000 individuals who have donated something to make this new hospital a reality?  Those are everything from multi-million dollar gifts to a $10 check we received from a grateful grandma which added up to more than $103 million raised to help build the new Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. 

By the way, proceeds from the movie premier screening raised $20,000 for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation.

With all of the activity of opening a new hospital in about 150 days, last night was a great chance for me to stop and feel grateful on just how lucky we are.  Thanks to everyone who helps make this new hospital a reality for the kids of our community!

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