I recently volunteered for the April 21st event, Runway On The Rapids, benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Program at Mercy Health St. Mary’s. It featured a high-trend fashion show, elegantly executed at the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids. The event was sponsored by many local companies, including Meijer, ADAC Automotive, and JW Marriott.

There were over 80 men and women volunteers walking the runway to the sold-out crowd of over 550 people. In addition to local boutiques like Denym and Lee & Birch, this year’s show featured Siss Viss, a designer from Memphis, TN who creates clothing by using the inner tubes from bicycles. She is a two time winner of Memphis Fashion week, and came to West Michigan to close out the show with her stunning designs.

The event creator, Kim VanOeffelen, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 6 years ago, and decided to create the annual event to benefit those experiencing MS in the Grand Rapids area. While it is unknown to some, West Michigan has a large fashion following, especially with showcases from Fashion Studies students at Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD).  KCAD in Grand Rapids has a unique “3+1” program, where the degree in Fashion Studies combines the design expertise of KCAD with the fashion industry immersion of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Students spend time in both locations, building on what they learn in West Michigan to complete their education with a year in the heart of the fashion industry, New York City.

Many other foundations have taken advantage of West Michigan’s fashion scene and hosted annual benefits like Couture For A Cure benefiting the Van Andel Institute, and Runway For Charity benefiting Helen Devos Children’s Hospital. West Michigan is cultivating a talented group of up-and-coming fashion designers, and many are using their talents to give back.

There are endless opportunities to give back to the West Michigan community, and Runway on the Rapids was a wonderful chance to do just that. Philanthropy is a big part of West Michigan culture, and whether it is time or treasure, every bit of service makes big waves in the community. Check out our community involvement page to learn more about opportunities to start a wave of your own.