VAI Open Corporate Charity Pickleball Event
Congratulations to our 2024 winners!
Beginner/intermediate bracket:
1st – Dave Van Andel and Sydney Sonday
2nd – Tim Noll and Jennifer Whyte
3rd – Kurt and Jena Lacks
Advanced bracket:
1st – Christian Huisman and CJ Huisman
2nd – Sreejay Ramakrishnan and Chris Shang
3rd – Caleb Dang and Ahna Horn
June 27— VAI Open Dinner at MDRD
- 6:00 pm Guest arrival and cocktail reception
- 6:30 pm Silent auction opens
- 7:00 pm Seating for dinner
- 7:05 pm Welcome remarks by George Aquino
- 7:10 pm Remarks by Carol Van Andel
- 7:13 pm Remarks by David Van Andel
- 9:00 pm Silent auction closes
- 9:15 pm Event ends
June 28 VAI Open at Amway Rooftop Pickleball Courts – 4th floor of Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Beginner/Intermediate Bracket (2.5-3.4 rating), 8 teams, medals for top 3 teams
- Box lunches and beverages served
- Awards Ceremony for Beginner/Intermediate Bracket
- 12:30 pm Guest arrival and registration for Advanced Bracket
- 1:00 - 4:00 pm Advanced Bracket (3.5+ rating), 8 teams, medals for top 3 teams
- Boxed lunches and beverages served
- Awards ceremony for Advanced Bracket
June 27th Dinner Menu
Cocktail Reception
Welcome Drink:
PELÍCANO BORRACHO
tequila, coconut rum, lime juice, chai tea syrup, pineapple juice
Passed Tapas:
EL B.L.T.
crispy iberico belly, watercress, tomato jam, paprika ciabatta, aioli
PICADURAS DE SANDIA
compressed watermelon, avocado, candied citrus
First Course: Family Style Tapas
EMPANADA DE ROBO DE TORO
braised ox-tail, onion marmalade, mustard caviar
ENSALADA DE PEPINO
cucumber, sweet peppers, coconut cheese, radish, salsa verde
PIQUILLO RELLENO
goat cheese stuffed piquillo peppers, dates, pistachio, and sherry reduction
Second Course: Soup
MANOGO GAZPACHO
mango, cucumber, tomato, tajin, sweet corn
Third Course: Entrée (Choice of)
LOMO CON ESPARRAGOS seared beef tenderloin, confit marble potatoes, grilled asparagus, ombra-asparagus sauce.
POLLO DE VERANO
grilled chicken breast, king trumpet, leek, sweet potato
LUBINA AL HORNO
branzino, rosemary-citrus bomba rice, fingerling potato, heirloom tomatoes, sauce maltaise.
Wine:
Sparkling
AVINYO Petillant Muscat de Frontignan Blend – Penedès
White
GRANBAZAN ‘Etiqueta Verde’ Albariño – Rías Baixas
Red
CATENA Malbec – Mendoza, ARG
Fourth Course: Dessert
EL LIMON yuzu white chocolate mousse, meyer lemon marmalade, lime caviar, meringue
ARBOL DE CARAMELO brown butter almond cake, roja poached pears compote, toasted vanilla gelato, spun sugar
Thank you to our incredible 2024 sponsors!
Beer City Open VIP Deck Passes and Swag
Two AHC Hospitality Owner’s Deck all-access passes, plus two Beer City Open hats, towels and wristbands.
Value: $4,100 | Starting Bid: $2,050
Children’s Pickleball Lessons Package
Two 60-minute lessons at RoofTop Pickleball Courts atop the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
Value: $120 | Starting Bid: $60
Children’s Swimming Lessons Package
Two 45-minute lessons at a pool location of winner’s choice.
Value: $80 | Starting Bid: $40
El Balcón Experience at MDRD
The most exclusive dining experience in Grand Rapids at 27 stories above the city. Dine, sip, and soak up the views of Grand Rapids from the 27th floor private balcony, El Balcón. This one-of-a-kind experience features an off-the-menu six-course dinner from our culinary team, unique cocktail creations from our lead bartender and exquisite wines. Prepare to indulge in an enhanced narrative of Chef Erika’s MDRD menu while soaking up the most exclusive views of the city.
Value: $1,200 | Starting Bid: $600
Holbrook Pickleball Gear Package
Two Holbrook Rewind pickleball paddles, two paddle covers, and one pickleball tote bag.
Value: $209 | Starting Bid: $105
jojo+lo “His + Hers” Pickleball Gear Package
Contains one hat, two shirts, and two sweatshirts for each.
Value: $400 | Starting Bid: $200
One-night Stay & Couples Massage at the Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Enjoy overnight accommodations in one of the hotels’ Riverview King or 2-Queen Guest Rooms with a 60-minute couple’s massage included in our new Celeste Salon & Spa. The package includes all taxes and fees, including self-parking.
Value: $750 | Starting Bid: $375
Private Pickleball Lesson from Beer City Open Professional
To take place during the Beer City Open – July 9-14, 2024.
Value: $250 | Starting Bid: $125
Private Wine Education & Tasting at Right Bank Wines at the Amway Grand Plaza
Enjoy a one-hour private wine education and tasting for you and one guest with Michael Bryant, Sommelier and Supervisor of Right Bank Wines at the Amway Grand Plaza. The experience will include four pours of elevated wine. A perfect start to a date night downtown!
Value: $250 | Starting Bid: $125
RoofTop Pickleball Team Experience
Enjoy up to a three-hour rental of three courts at the RoofTop Pickleball Courts atop the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. This package is great for corporate or team outings or friends to explore and enjoy the game of pickleball while bonding with your peers and/or friends. The package will comfortably accommodate up to 16 guests.
Value: $350 | Starting Bid: $175
Woodrows Duckpin Private Rental
Enjoy up to a three-hour private rental of the Upper Alley at Woodrows Duckpin inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for you and up to 40 guests
Value: $1,500 | Starting Bid: $750
Event Details
Contact Info:
Email: Sarah RollmanThanks to our wonderful sponsors!
Presented By
Dinner Sponsors
Court Sponsor
Paddle Sponsors
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Franco and Alessandra Bianchi
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Kurt and Jena Lacks
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Tim and Kim Long
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Pickleball Sponsors