Ashlie Jones

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2019
Contact: info@graahi.org
Media Contact: Stephanie Pierce, 616-331-5831

Join GRAAHI for the 6th Annual Black Tie Gala “Color our World with Health Equity”

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN: The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute is proud to hold its 6th annual GRAAHI Gala, an evening of celebration and fundraising with a goal of achieving health equity for African Americans. Across the nation, gaps in health outcomes are persistent and increasing.

Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthier, regardless of race. It requires a concerted, community-wide effort to increase opportunities to be healthier for everyone. The black and “colorful” tie event “Color our World with Health Equity” will highlight and honor individuals who are making an impact on health equity in our community.

“This year, we’re celebrating trailblazing couples that have dedicated their lives to social justice and
equity,” says Stephanie Pierce, Director of Community Engagement. “These individuals have been at
the forefront of supporting our work, so we want to acknowledge their leadership in our community.”

The honorees at this year’s event include:

Jim and Kathy Hackett
Bill and India Manns
Nathaniel and Laura Moody

Information about available sponsorships is listed on the website at www.graahi.com/sponsorships. All proceeds benefit the operating fund of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute.

Join us for cocktails, gourmet dining, and dancing at the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens and
Sculpture Park. Attendees get access to stroll the grounds as well. The event is scheduled as follows:

What: 6th Annual GRAAHI Gala
When: Thursday, June 20th, 2019 from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Where: Frederik Meijer Gardens Grand Rapids, MI

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://graahi.org/events/gala2019/.

ABOUT: The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) is an independent,
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is funded by numerous entities that are equally committed to its mission.

GRAAHI’s mission is “To promote health care parity in the Grand Rapids African American community
through advocacy, education, and research to achieve positive health outcomes.” By promoting health
care parity or equality, GRAAHI will have an impact on the health disparities that currently exist for African Americans who live in this community.

eTo achieve health equity takes a collective effort. Please join GRAAHI, Thursday, June 20, 2019, as we celebrate community/organizational leaders in the fight for health and equity for all.

The annual event is moving to a new location this year and will be hosted at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. “It’s the perfect backdrop for our event, symbolizing the growth we are nurturing in our pursuit of health equity,” said Micah Foster, executive director.

As one of the primary fundraising events for the organization, the annual gala highlights and honors individuals and organizations who are making an impact on the community. From local champions to state-wide health systems, GRAAHI is shining a spotlight on their work to achieve health equity.

WHAT IS HEALTH EQUITY?

Across the nation, gaps in health outcomes are persistent and increasing. Health equity means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthier, regardless of race. Health equity means affording everyone access to good jobs, homes and schools. It requires a concerted, community-wide effort to increase opportunities to be healthier for everyone—especially those whose obstacles are greatest.

Please join us, as an attendee or sponsor, and let’s celebrate the partnerships helping to eliminate bias disparities in healthcare services outcomes for African Americans!

Want to help sponsor the event? Contact Stephanie Pierce at 616-331-5831, or email us at info@graahi.org.

Want tickets? Click on the link.

We look forward to celebrating with you!