Funding Research

November 2020: Donation made on November 9th to the Van Andel Institute for $10,000 to cancer research.

Soup Prize 2020

Date: March 7, 2020
Time: Soup Serving 2-4 PM
Location: St. Jude’s Brophy Center, 1120 4 Mile Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49525

For more information visit Soup Prize

Funding Research

We made a donation to the Van Andel Institute in November 2019 in the amount of $28,000 to Dr. Triche’s research product. This makes a total of $159,000 that has been donated to VAI to date.

Scholarship Presentation

On August 4th, a Scholarship Presentation was held at the Ada Covered Bridge awarding Jon Damzyn and Austin Plave each a $3000 check for college expenses.  We are please and honor to honor both these men.  Both are pursuing a engineering degree.

Golf News

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, September 15, 2019
12th Annual MLHOPE Golf Charity

Scott Lake Country Club

For more information visit golf website:

Funding Research

On November 9th a check was presented to Carol Van Andel of the Van Andel Institute for $30,000 to cancer research.

Scholarship News

Congratulations to this years 2018 Scholarship Winners; Presentation took place Sunday, July 22nd at the Ada Covered Bridge.

Golf News

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday September 16, 2018

Time: 11am registration   Start time: 12pm
4 person scramble, prizes, steak dinner all to raise money for blood cancer patients.  Spots are limited so sign up quickly.  Sponsorships, auction/prize items and golfers needed.  Please visit golf website for more information.

Scholarship Presentation

On August 5th there was a Scholarship Presentation at the Ada Covered Bridge where John Worm (right) and Austin Plave both received $3000 to use for college expenses.  Both men are leukemia survivors and pursuing careers as Engineers.

Scholarship Winners Announced

Congratulations to John Worm and Austin Plave. Both are leukemia survivors and both deserving of this award.  Later this summer.

Foundation Awarded The Carol Van Anel “Angel of Excellence Award”

Suzanne and Mike Lunn were honored to accept The Carol Van Andel Angel of Excellence Award for the foundation. This award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to Van Andel Institute’s mission through volunteer service and philanthropy. This award celebrates the extraordinary efforts of philanthropists, volunteers and advocates, whose undeniable generosity and determination support the Institute’s ability to improve the health and enhance the lives of current and future generations. More pictures

Soup Prize 2017

Saturday March 11, 2017
Time: 4PM-7PM
Thanks to everyone who participated, attended, volunteered or sampled our delicious soups on March 11, 2017 at the Guest House (634 Stocking NW, Grand Rapids, Mi 49504) .  We had 20 amateur chefs competing for the ultimate prize of “Grand Rapids Best Soup/Chili Chef.  We had a great turnout and raised almost $4000 to  help our community fighting cancer.

Remembering Dr. Alberts

The world lost a wonderful man and brilliant cancer researcher this year to brain cancer.  We worked with Dr. Albert’s of the VAI and helped fund his per-cancerous cell study for 4 years.  We will miss him and all he did for cancer patients.  Obituary

Funding Research

A $25,000 Donation was made to the Van Andel Institute to be used for cancer research.  The check was presented to Mrs. Carol Van Andel on November 9, 2016.  We also received a tour and learned about new and upcoming research projects that are in the works.

Scholarship News

We will be presenting each of these students with a $3000 scholarship award on August 13th, at the Ada Covered Bridge. John Worm and Megan Heeringa

Strike Out Cancer Benefit for Chris

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported Chris we were able to raise over $6500 for Chris.

Sunday, June 12, 2016; Clique Lanes, 533 Stocking Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
1-4 pm $25 for adults/$10 for kids under 13
Includes bowling, shoe rental, taco bar, soda, and door prizes.  Also cash bar, 50/50, Roll a strike, silent auctions.

The event was a huge success thanks to all the people that showed up to support Chris. We were able to raise over $6000 that was donated towards Chris’s medical expenses not covered by insurance.

Soup Prize 2016

Thanks to everyone who came out and either prepared or sampled a soup.  We have a great turn out, raised over $3500 and have 20 Chefs competing. For winners and pictures go to

Golf News

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 8th Annual Golf Outing September 20, 2015
What a truly marvelous day we had. The weather was suburb, we had a full course of golfers from all over the US, dedicated and hard working volunteers, and extremely generous sponsors & prize donors to all make our event a huge success. One of this years scholarship winners, Megan Herringa spoke about how our foundation helped her with some of her schooling costs. Shortly after our shotgun start, on his first shot of the day Joe Sedlecky (committee & golf committee member and Michelle’s godfather) hit his first ever hole in one on hole Gold #2.  This hole was sponsored by Honeywell and allowed Joe to receive a prize of $2500 splitting the other $2500 with our foundation. Joe earlier in the day gave his sister (Sue) a birthday card telling her for her gift he would try his hardest to get a hole in one to give the $$ to our foundation in memory of Michelle….what are the odds. We finished the day with a delicious steak dinner, and gave away many great prizes thanks in part to all our prize donors. We are so excited to announce we raised 29,490.31 for  our outing. We will be presenting Van Andel Institute a check going towards critically needed research and will continue to give away scholarships, and financial assistance to patients in need (cash and gas cards). Thank you to everyone who had a part in our successful outing.

Scholarship News

Congratulations to Megan and Austin this years 2015 Scholarship Winners. The presentation took place on Saturday July 18, 2015 at the Ada Covered Bridge.  The committee welcome the two winners and presented them with each a $3000 check for college expenses.  For more info please visit: Award Winners 

Soup Prize News

SOUP PRIZE : Thank you to everyone who came out to Soup Prize 2015 at Polish Falcons Hall on Saturday, March 28th.   We had a great turnout with 19 chefs competing.  Julie Paas with her Mushroom Brie Soup took 1st place in Judges choice. Becky Volpe was the People’s Choice Winner with her Creamy Italian Wedding Soup. Becky Volpe also took top honors as our nights “Souper Star” raising the most money in tips.  We raised over $2600 that will help local blood cancer patients.  For more info.

In The Media

  Radio Podcast-

“Event Essentials” a radio broadcast talking all about the Michelle Lunn Hope Foundation, highlighting our fundraising, our supporters and who we benefit.  (broadcasted on 9/15/14- aired 10/21/14)

Radio Podcast with Shelly Hurwitz of Michigan Business Radio

Funding Research

A donation in the amount of $21,500 was made to the Van Andel Institute for Dr. Albert’s per-cancerous cell study. This made the total donation this year to $25,000.  We were pleased to be part of the Purple Community where 100 % of the money donated will get put towards future cures and new discoveries in Cancers.

Golf News

7th Annual Michelle Lunn HOPE Charity Golf Outing

Thanks to everyone who participated in this years golf outing on Sunday, September 14th at Scott Lake Country Club.  We sold out once again and had great weather for our event .  Thank you to everyone who sponsored our event, or donated prizes for our auction/raffle or golfers.  We are extremely blessed to have such great supporters.  Click  here for a full list of our supporters:  We raised over $25,600.  We also could not have done it without the help of all our dedicated volunteers.

Golf News

Thanks to one of our youngest volunteers

Brianna, one of our youngest supporters graciously held a sale at her neighborhood “Arts & Crafts” sale  in which half of her proceeds will be donated to our foundation.  This is not the first time Brianna has held a sale for our foundation.  We truly appreciate her dedication in helping us so we can help those who need our support after their blood cancer diagnosis.  Brianna’s father has been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukmeia (CML) and has been in remission for several years.  So, it doesn’t matter how old you are, or how much you are able to donate….you can be assured what we receive, we will donate back to help others.

Fundraising

On the Border Benefit

hanks to everyone who attended our “On the Border” Benefit on, Monday, July 21, 2014 at either the Grandville or Woodland Mall locations for lunch, dinner, or take-out . Thank you also to people who were unable to attend but still donated money towards this.  This benefit took place on the 7th anniversary of Michelle’s death.  By participating you helped us remember Michelle and helped us raise money for patients suffering from a blood cancer in our area.  To date we do not know the amount that was raised.

Scholarship News

Kelly, 2014 Scholarship Winner

We are pleased to announce this year’s winner of the  MLHOPE scholarship award. Kelly was awarded $3000 at a presentation ceremony on Sunday, July 13th at the Ada Covered Bridge.  At the age of 6 she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Kelly has been a very avid volunteer in her community, a Teen Ambassador through the cancer support community and has been actively involved in non-profit organizations.  She will be a sophomore at Adrian College. Click here to learn more about Kelly.

Bone Marrow Drive

BONE MARROW TESTING

We provided Bone Marrow Testing (Cheek Swabs)  at Brian’s Path of Life Benefit Sunday, April 27, 2014.   Swab testing was done through DKMS who partners with “Be the Match” (National Bone Marrow Registry).  We were able to register 20 new donors that may be able to save a patients life.  Thanks to everyone who attempted to register and those who actually did.   Brian’s Path to Life was a benefit to raise money for costs not covered by insurance for Brian who is undergoing a Bone Marrow Transplant for his (CMML) leukemia. Brian found his match from a stranger who was previously registered on the national bone marrow registry.

Soup of Hope Cook-Off

Our first ever Soup of Hope cookoff was a huge success raising over $1600.  18 chefs competed to take the reigns to become either the Soup of Hope Top Chef or the Souper Duper Chef of the night on Saturday, March 29th at Polish Falcons Hall.  Two Chefs soups tied for 1st place, but the winner was given to Scott Heyboer’s Black Bean Soup because he brought in the most money in tips. Jeanne Sedlecky’s loaded bake potato, equally as good became our second place winner.  There was also a tie for 3rd.  Deb Blanchard’s Cheesy Broccoli tied against Nick Volpe’s BOOM BOOM chicken Tortilla soup but Deb raised over  $100 in tips so she took 3rd, and Nick followed in 4th place.  Deb was also crowned “Souper Duper Chef” for raising the most money in tips for our foundation. People enjoyed many different types of soup and know one left hungry. Thanks to everyone who cooked or sampled soups, and all our volunteers bakers, and in kind donors.  Pictures .  For more information of a complete list of our Chefs that competed click here.

Funding Research

Donation made to VAI;

A donation was made to the Van Andel Institute on April, 24, 2014 for Blood Cancer Research thanks in part to your generous donations and supporting our fundraising events throughout the years. We were very impressed with the work they are doing with this facility after touring and speaking with Dr. Art Alberts PHD, who heads up the leukemia research program.

Gas Card Donations

This November (month of Michelle’s birthday) thru March 2014, we will be distributing $2000 worth of gas cards to blood cancer patients.  If you know of someone who  is in need of one please contact us at contact@mlhope.org.

Golf News

Our 6th Annual Golf Outing took place on September 15th at Scott Lake Country Club in Comstock Park, MI.  Our event had a wonderful turnout selling out once again will 36 teams (144 golfers) and over 25 volunteers. We were able to raise over $29,000 which will help fund more research, and help local families with their financial needs due to their diagnosis. Thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored, donated or volunteered at our outing.  This outing could not have been so successful without the help of so many generous people.

Raffle News

Congratulations to Mike M of Cascade, MI the winner of the Cedar Strip kayak (donated by Craig Schilhaneck of Journey Boat Works). The winning ticket was drawn on Oct. 5 at the Light the Night walk celebration by Craig.  Craig is a two time blood cancer survivor and Mike (winner) of Cascade Rental has been a huge supporter of our foundation.  For more information on our prizes and winners click here:

Scholarship News

We are pleased to announce this year’s winner of the  MLHOPE scholarship award. Kelly was awarded $3000 at a presentation ceremony on Sunday, July 13th at the Ada Covered Bridge.  At the age of 6 she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Kelly has been a very avid volunteer in her community, a Teen Ambassador through the cancer support community and has been actively involved in non-profit organizations.  She will be a sophomore at Adrian College. Click here to learn more about Kelly. We are pleased to announce our winners for this year’s 2013 Michelle Lunn Hope Memorial Scholarships: Jack Pfeiffer of Otsego, Kelly Dziekan of Brighton, and Nathan Tubergen of Hamilton. Each recipient was awarded $1000.  Click here more information about our recipients.   Scholarship Presentation was held on Sunday, July 21st at Ada Covered Bridge.  Congratulations to 3 deserving students who know what it is like to have lived with a blood cancer.

Funding Research

 Donation made to VAI;

A donation was made to the Van Andel Institute on March, 29, 2013 for Blood Cancer Research thanks in part to your generous donations and supporting our fundraising events throughout the years. We toured this research facility and was very impressed at the work they are doing in cancer research.

Scholarship News

Please let us introduce our winners of the 2012 Scholarship Award;
Nicholas Flory, a recent graduate from Forest Hills Northern HS, who will be attending MSU in the fall is a deserving student who’s mother was diagnosis with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and was away from home for a long period getting a bone marrow transplant while he was attending High School. Nicholas was accepted into the MSU Honors programs where he plans to pursue a Engineering Degree.

Leah Nawrocki, is a 2010 Catholic Central Graduate, who has been attending Aquinas College and pursuing a Psychology/Spanish Degree. Leah was diagnosis with acute lymphoblastic Leukemia when she was a child and now is cancer free. She is making a difference by volunteering, being a mentor and hopes to use her Spanish speaking skills to aid children with a language barrier get through difficult situations. She has been a recent spokesperson for the LLS Pennies for Patients program, volunteered at DeVos Children’s Hospital, Gilda’s Club, an has been a tutor for the Big Brother/Big Sister Program.

Fundraising News

White Caps Night – Our foundation was the charitable organization for the night on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at the Fifth Third Ballpark- during the White Caps Baseball game.  We sold 50/50 tickets throughout the night.  We also had a table behind home plate that showed people what we are all about and hat we do for our community.  Special thanks to all our volunteers that braved the chilly temps and windy weather during the game to sell tickets.  Though the crowds were light and White Caps didn’t pull off a win our foundation was successful in selling over $1000 worth of tickets that night.  We were also the first group to use the new raffle equipment and our volunteers picked it up in no time.  After the 7th

Golf News

The  5th Annual Michelle Lunn Hope Golf Outing was a huge success thanks to the over 175 participants and volunteers who attended our event.  The weather was awesome and we sold out this event.  We were able to raise over $24,000 which will go towards research, local financial assistance, scholarships and other causes that help benefit patients and their families .  We want to thank all the sponsors of our event, golfers, prize donors and our volunteers for making this one of our best golf events ever.  We couldn’t have done it without you.  For more details and photo link please visit our past event golf  page.

Fundraising News

Thank you to everyone who came out and joined team Shellbells for this years Light the Night Walk in Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday Oct. 1, 2011. The weather was perfect for the two and a half mile walk on the banks of the grand river.  Our teams efforts help raised $27,720.56  this year (to date) for  the LLS which funds critically needed research that will find cures and better treatments for patients. We were the #1 Friends and Family fundraising team in the whole state of Michigan once again!   Donations are still being taken if you have not already donated and wish to. 

Golf News

The  4th Annual Michelle Lunn Hope Golf Outing was a huge success thanks to the over 170 participants and volunteers who attended our event.  The weather was awesome with the temps in the low 70’s and abundance sunshine.  We were able to raise over $21,000 which will benefit the Light the Night walk in October.  We want to thank all the sponsors of our event, golfers, prize donors and our volunteers for making this one of our best golf events ever.  We couldn’t have done it without you. 

Fundraising News

Thank you to everyone who attended or donated to our On the Border Benefit Day, we raised $889 which will help the lives of those suffering from a blood cancer. It was great to see so many supporters come out to help us raise awareness and funds for our mission.

Scholarship News

We are pleased to announce Jennifer Milan, age 19 and a Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivor as this years winner of our memorial scholarship award.  For more pictures visit our Scholarship page.

Fundraising News

Thanks to all of the Shellbell supporters raising money for blood cancer patients at the Light the Night walk. Shellbells were the #1 team for many years including 2010-2009

Golf News

The 3^rd Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for September 19^th, 2010 at Scott Lake Country Club.  Additional information regarding the 2010 event will be posted at http://www.llsgolf.org in the near future.

Golf News

The 2^nd Annual Michelle Lunn Hope Charity Golf Outing was recently held at Scott Lake Country Club, Comstock Park, MI.  In a combined effort through our generous vendors, enthusiastic volunteers and dedicated local businesses, the team was able to raise over $15,000 for the Michelle Marie Lunn Hope Foundation (MLHF).  NAPA and Franklin Holwerda Company were this years cosponsors for the event.  This was by far, the most successful charity tournament to date for team ‘Shell Bells’ which participates in and sponsors various fundraising activities.  The next event is the annual fundraiser Light the Night Walk benefiting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).