Education Foundation of Greenville

Education Foundation of Greenville

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Happy National Dog Day! šŸ•
Did you know GPS has two comfort dogs, sponsored by the Greenville Youth Advisory Council (GYAC), which is the youth branch of the Greenville Area Community Foundation?

Lola is a 4-year-old Golden Retriever who came to us in April of 2021. Lola loves walks, treats, and kids!

Cinder is a 3-year-old English Black Lab. She enjoys going on adventures to Lansing and St. Joe with her humans and loves to swim!

Thanks to the Education Foundation of Greenville & GYAC, GPS is currently in the process of securing comfort dogs for all GPS schools!
Only two more practice runs and then it’s showtime šŸ’ƒšŸ•ŗšŸæ weeks of practice for a much needed great cause but on a side note…. I’m a nervous wreck 😳 !!!

If you are looking for a fun night of entertainment... join us this Saturday , I screenshotted the seats still currently available in the pic below.

If you can’t attend and would like to help by giving, each team has a link of support, this is ours. Thank you šŸ™šŸ¼ in advance…I sure appreciate it!

https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFGDancingwithLocalStars/wendy--michael

All proceeds go to the Education Foundation of Greenville to support mental health programs and services for our youth.
Shout out to Cook Investments and Jeff and Caroline Cook for their Gold Medal sponsorship. The YJC was Caroline's brain child back in 2008, the year our race started. Their support of the YJC and the Education Foundation of Greenville is appreciated beyond measure. We love our sponsors. ā¤ļø
Dancing with the Local Stars is less than 2 weeks away and it’s sure to be a fun night of entertainment for all ages! All proceeds go to the Education Foundation of Greenville to support mental health programs and services for the youth of our community.

Michael Page Jr and I are taking the stage along with these amazing people that have given their time & talent to support this great cause! No matter the results…our kids are the real winners šŸ‘ØšŸ¾ā€šŸ¤ā€šŸ‘ØšŸ¼šŸ‘©šŸ¾ā€šŸ¤ā€šŸ‘©šŸ»šŸ‘ØšŸ¼ā€šŸ¤ā€šŸ‘ØšŸ½šŸ‘©šŸ¼ā€šŸ¤ā€šŸ‘©šŸ½ā¤ļø

If you are looking for a fun night of dancing and entertainment... join us March 12th !

https://gpac.ludus.com/index.php

If you can’t make the show but would love to help by showing your support, I’d like to say thank you on behalf of everyone!

https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFGDancingwithLocalStars/wendy--michael
Be sure to check out the 2021 GPS Performing Arts Department Faculty Recital tomorrow (Thursday, September 30) at 7:30pm at the Greenville Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are required. This is a "choose your own ticket price" event. All proceeds will go to the Education Foundation of Greenville OUR3 Endowment Fund.

Ticket Link: https://gpac.ludus.com/
The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (Family Center) and Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) are pleased to announce a second round of the small grant opportunity for the 2021-2022 fiscal year (10/1/21 – 9/30/22). Each school district is eligible to apply for up to $10,000 for their program. Please see the attachment for the application and guidelines.
Eligible programs need to demonstrate the ability to meet the following objectives:
• Create of safe cultures for children with special health care needs within school communities.
• Provide or enhance the school environment for peer support for youth with special health care needs.
• Increase social and emotional support in schools for children with special health care needs.
• Expand anti-bullying efforts for youth with special health care needs.

The deadline to have the application emailed is Friday, July 23, 2021. Please note this is a fillable PDF application. Please see the flyer for the Technical Assistance Webinar that will be held Monday, June 14, 2021 to answer questions and offer assistance to those interested in applying for this grant.
The link to register for the webinar is:
It has taken several years, but we finally have a new Performing Arts Center & Gymnasium lighted sign at the north entrance to Greenville High School. With the Class of 1963 and Jerry Lyndrup leading the way on this, and the Class of 1966 pitching in, our combined fund raising efforts still fell just short of what we needed. So I have been working with our current GPS Superintendent, Linda VanHouten, to find a way to make it happen. In the end, we made it happen with some of the school's savings on their current bond issue. There is a plaque at bottom center of the sign that says, "Generously Donated by the Class of 1963 and 1966." So, a big thank you to both classes and all who helped make this happen. It will be very much appreciated for many years. See the article link below to the Daily News by . Thanks to the for their assistance. From left to right in the photo are: ('63), ('63), ('(63), myself ('66), and ('63). .

https://thedailynews.cc/articles/jacket-pride-says-it-all/
Greenville friends, please share and tag others who may be interested in scholarships for summer camps!
Bidding is officially open for the Education Foundation of Greenville Fall Festival Auction! Use the comments section to place your bid ON THE EFG ALBUM. Here is what you need to know:
1. You do NOT need to attend the fall festival dinner in order to bid on items.
2. Each item has a posted description and retail value listed.
3. Some items have a designated minimum increment listed.
4. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
5. If possible, please pick up items at the Winter Inn on September 18 at 8 pm.
6. Items must be paid for by Friday, September 21. Delivery/pick up arrangements can be arranged.
7. All sales are final.
8. Facebook bids will end on September 18 at approximately 7:00 p.m. Dinner attendees will have an additional 10 minutes to place bids. Several more items will be added! Please have fun and be sure to message if you would like additional information on a particular auction item.
I enjoyed reading your latest newsletter. It was full interesting facts. Blake Hollenbeck is an excellent choice for the Outstanding Alumnus Award. This foundation is key to helping fulfill many creative grant requests by teachers. We are thankful for EFG!
GRADUATION PRESENTS!! Purchase a print, and benefit the Education Foundation of Greenville. Introducing, for the very first time, 8.5 x 11 prints of my original drawing of the Greenville High School; customized with the year of graduation. You can message me, or stop in to Jerry's Paint Store where a supply is available for immediate framing. You can also see David Ralph's beautiful and innovative framing with a place for a diploma. CUSTOMIZE with your student's name!
My daughter, Rayna, just finished Science Camp for 5th grade girls at Camp Newaygo, thanks to a scholarship provided by the EFG. Thank you so much for this program, and for this opportunity that I know will last her lifetime. She wouldn't have had this experience without your organization, and for that I am extremely grateful.
Thank you to The Daily News for their full page coverage of the Yellow Jacket Challenge. Read all about it in the link below.

Our goal is to invest in the children of Greenville Public schools by enhancing the education opportu

Operating as usual

05/19/2023

We are celebrating the accomplishments of our 2023 Seniors! Happy last day and Swing Out to the Class of 2023!!

Photos from Greenville Public Schools - The Yellow Jackets's post 05/18/2023
Photos from Baldwin Heights Elementary School's post 05/16/2023

Happy Birthday Lola! šŸŽ‚šŸŽ‰

Photos from Education Foundation of Greenville's post 04/23/2023
04/21/2023

See you Sunday!!!!

Look at these beauties! ā¤ļøā¤ļøšŸƒā€ā™€ļøšŸƒšŸ»ā€ā™‚ļø

04/16/2023

A sold out show for the 2023 EFG Dancing With The Local Stars. Check out the opening act!

04/16/2023

The Greatest Show on Earth. Or at least in Greenville. 2023 EFG Dancing With The Local Stars.

Home 04/14/2023

Tomorrow (April 15) is the early registration (& guaranteed t-shirt) deadline for YELLOW JACKET CHALLENGE! This year's YJC will be held on Sunday, April 23, at 2pm. For more details or to register online, visit

Home Race results will be posted immediately following the 5K Run. Results will also be posted later on race day online atĀ PlaymakersĀ and eventually on this page.

Dancing with the Local Stars 2023 04/14/2023

The show is TOMORROW night! Our local stars and pros have Mirrorball Trophy Dreams. Is your favorite pair in the lead? Give them a boost by offering your support today:

Dancing with the Local Stars 2023 Dancing with the Local Stars is a fundraising event hosted by the Education Foundation of Greenville. Donations will support mental health programming and services for Greenville Public Schools. The dancing pair who raises the most money for this cause (online and at the event) will receive a Mirror...

04/13/2023

We want to thank Trevor Merren Auto for supporting Tom Hallock and Kimberly Gierescher at the $400 level. Support your favorite dancing due by pledging today: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023

04/12/2023

We want to thank Local Union 174 Plumbers Pipefitters/Service Trades who
donated at the $500 level in support of Johnny "O" Ortiz and Michele Evans. Support your favorite dancing couple by pledging today: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023

Photos from Education Foundation of Greenville's post 04/11/2023

We could have have a show without these two fabulous Emcees! Thank you to Principal Mike Walsh and Matt Gilbertson for hosting again this year! Support your favorite couple by pledging: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023

They will be dancin’ - The Daily News 04/10/2023

The show is this weekend! Are you ready to have some fun? Support your favorite dancing couple by donating! https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023
https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/they-will-be-dancin/

They will be dancin’ - The Daily News One year ago, upon introducing a creative source of fundraising and entertainment, Miranda Curry had no idea how receptive this community might be to a brand new concept — ā€œDancing with the Local Stars.ā€ With nine local ā€œstarsā€ paired with professional dancers, the show witnessed nothing b...

04/09/2023

Meet Annette Fare, our 8:00 minute mile pacer. Not only is Annette a new runner, she is also new to the pacing scene. She recently signed with Montcalm Community College and will be running as a college athlete next year. The heartwarming twist is that Annette followed the 8:00 pacer last year to finish her first 5K, and this year, she is pacing at that very spot. Annette shared the following statement: "My first ever 5k race was the Yellow Jacket Challenge last year. This year, I ran my first cross country season as a high school senior. I fell in love with all aspects of running. Other than keeping me in good shape, running has connected me to so many amazing people. I love the positive atmosphere. I am very grateful for the opportunity to pace this year. Last year, I relied on the 8:00 pacer Emily Tietema to help me finish the race. She was enthusiastic and kept me in a positive mindset. I cannot wait to be that positive influence for racers this year."

Photos from Education Foundation of Greenville's post 04/05/2023

Dancing with Local Stars is on April 15th. Support your favorite couple by donating to their site: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023. We are fortunate to have three esteemed judges for the show:

Alex Campbell (Judge)
Alex Campbell grew up in Greenville, MI and started her dance training at Flat River Dance Company. During her summers she trained with the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and Cecchetti Ballet and eventually went to further her dance education at Grand Valley State University. She taught with Flat River Dance Company for 3 years, teaching Pre Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop
Currently Alex is the Assistant Controller for Superior Foods Company in Grand Rapids, MI. She enjoys taking dance lessons with her friends to learn new styles and spending time with her family.

Amy Goei (Judge)
With an extensive career that crosses many industries, Amy Goei has always held one key focus in every aspect of her work, people. She has always made supporting each individual or group that she works with in whatever dynamic capacity they need to find success a priority.

Amy comes from a classically trained background in ballet that began in Ontario,Canada and took her to New York City when she was 17 to begin her professional career with the Joffrey II Company. She has performed with professional ballet companies in Tennessee, North Carolina and Michigan throughout the course of her career, performing major works by George Balanchine, Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, Alonzo King, William Forsythe, Nicolo Fonte, Nacho Duato, Trey McIntyre, Salvatore Aiello and the African American Dance Ensemble.

Amy has been teaching ballet for nearly 25 years throughout the United States and Canada in both professional schools and international summer schools as a master teacher, ballet mistress, choreographer and mentor. She served as the program director for the Chautauqua Institute Summer Intensive in New York which incorporated teaching, advising, choreographing and program development. She also had the pleasure of developing and implementing curriculums for both North Carolina Dance Theatre (Charlotte Ballet) and Memphis Ballet School. While touring and performing professionally Amy was invited to be a Master Guest Teacher at many Universities across the United States.

While completing her BS in psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master’s of Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University, Amy began to put her focus into supporting individuals experiencing some of the toughest stages and periods in their lives. She has counseled individuals and groups in outpatient, partial hospitalization as well as inpatient settings, ranging from eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction and trauma as her focus. While working with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI she created a new department that focused on the reintegration of individuals living with Brain Injuries and Spinal Cord Injuries and their families into their homes and communities.

In 2014 Amy and her husband embarked on a new journey with their 2 small children and launched Green Circle Salons in the United States. A Canadian environmental consulting company that strives to create sustainability within the beauty industry globally. Amy has spoken to groups all over the world, most notably, at the European Union Coiffeur in Belgium regarding sustainability within the beauty sector. Most recently before her departure from the organization after 9 years, Amy led the launch of Green Circle Salons brand in Europe. During her time with GCS, Amy continued to build teams and mentor professionals across the organization to achieve their highest level of job satisfaction and performance.

From the stage to the classroom, from the lecture hall to the boardroom, Amy shows up with innovative creativity, team centered and solution focused collaboration and a truly passionate desire to support and lift others on their journey.

Patrick Johnson (Judge)
Patrick Johnson has had a successful and rewarding dance career. As a result of his international exposure as a performer and a teacher, Patrick Johnson has reached thousands of people of all ages, from inner city youth to would renowned political leaders. His dance studies include work with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, New York Conservatory and the Dance Theater of Harlem where he trained under some of the best Classical Ballet masters in the world. In 1988, Mr. Johnson joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s professional company, quickly becoming one of their leading dancers. Mr. Johnson has also worked with internationally renowned choreographers such as Agnes de Mille, Glen Tetley, Michael Smuin, Billy Wilson, Louis Johnson, Garth Fagan and Alonzo King. He has performed works by George Balanchine, Alvin Ailey, Valerie Bettis, John McFall and Robert North. Mr. Johnson has given command performances for Nelson Mandela, the late Queen Elizabeth II and the late Princess Diana. Mr. Johnson has appeared as a guest artist with numerous companies, including The Grand Rapids Ballet. His television credits include Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Creole Giselle, Basketball/Dance for Sports Illustrated, the internationally acclaimed PBS-Children’s Television Workshop’s Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood and Sesame Street, as well as several television commercials. Mr. Johnson’s Broadway credits include; The Metropolitan Opera production of ā€œPorgy and Bessā€ and the Joseph Papp/Shubert Organization’s ā€œa Celebration of Paul Robesonā€. By special invitation, he has been a guest lecturer at both Columbia University in New York and Grand valley State University Michigan. Mr. Johnson, former School Director of the Grand Rapids Ballet, former faculty member at Grand Rapids Community College, Theatre Department and formerly Artistic Director of the Wealthy Theatre and the Wealthy Theatre Contemporary Ballet. In addition to being co owner of PT Arts Consulting, Mr. Johnson serves as CEO and founder of the West Michigan Flight Academy. He also works with local public schools in Grand Rapids and Muskegon helping to find new ways to educate through the arts. He maintains a busy schedule with theatre groups in the Grand Rapids area, making it possible to further his mission of bringing the arts to as many people in the West Michigan community as possible.

Dancing with the Local Stars is a fundraising event hosted by the Education Foundation of Greenville. Donations will support mental health programming and services for Greenville Public Schools.

Photos from Education Foundation of Greenville's post 04/03/2023

Please welcome Gloria Guilfoyle and Lamarr Williford to the Dancing with the Local Stars cast. The dancing pair who raises the most money for this cause (online and at the event) will receive a Mirror Ball Trophy following the performance on April 15, 2023. To give online: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023/gloria-guilfoyle--lamarr-williford

Maria Gloria Guilfoyle
Gloria was born on Valentine’s Day in Mexico City, Mexico. She speaks fluent Spanish, and is very proud of her Spanish heritage. Gloria grew up in Lakeview, attended Lakeview Community Schools, and graduated in 1974.
She attended Western Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising. Gloria and husband Al lived in Glenview, Illinois, a North Chicago Suburb, where she managed ā€œThe Limitedā€ clothing stores for seven years.
Gloria and Al, have owned and operated The Club Fitness Center here in Greenville for the past 37 years. Gloria is a ā€œMasterā€ Group Exercise and Yoga instructor and has personally taught (conservatively) over 15,000 group exercise classes from Aqua classes to Zumba over the past 37 years. Over the past almost four decades, her strength, stamina, positive energy, Christian ethic and faith, has inspired and empowered hundreds of men and women, both young and old, to strive to be and do their very best!
Gloria is mother of four- Bradley, Lauren, (favorite son in law Josh) and Abby, and ā€œGrandma GGā€ to 5 Grandkids- Graham, Molly, Jackson, Winnie and Scottie (Her favorite job).
Gloria loves the Greenville community, and has volunteered her time generously over the years at school for her kids and grandkids, with the Greenville Youth Advisory Council, playing in the Bell Choir at St. Paul Lutheran Church, distributing food at the Greenville Ecumenical Food Pantry, and with her daughters help, delivered meals on wheels to shut ins at Friendship house. She has participated in several hospital fundraisers, and dinner show melodramas within the community. She is also a Mom, caregiver and warrior for her 37 year old Autistic son, Bradley, and has been a powerful advocate for children and adults with disabilities.

Lamarr Williford
Lamarr has been dancing since 2011. He began with Latin dance classes, taking Salsa, followed by Bachata. Shortly after, he started taking West Coast Swing. While Salsa continues to be a favorite, he became hooked on WCS. Lamarr has continued to improve his abilities by learning many other dances including Modern Hustle, Country 2 Step, Nightclub Two Step, and various Line Dances. After a few routines, some competitions, and making his way through the ranks, Lamarr has shifted his focus on teaching and community building. He believes that, in order for dance to grow, community and exposure are very important. Lamarr has been praised for his attention to detail, and methodical and meticulous style of instruction. Now he focuses most of his time on spreading the joy of dance!

Dancing with the Local Stars is a fundraising event hosted by the Education Foundation of Greenville. Donations will support mental health programming and services for Greenville Public Schools.
Photo Credit: Studio 222

Photos from Education Foundation of Greenville's post 03/30/2023

Please welcome Dr. Timothy Helder and Alexa Neumann to the Dancing with the Local Stars cast. The dancing pair who raises the most money for this cause (online and at the event) will receive a Mirror Ball Trophy following the performance on April 15, 2023. To give online: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023/timothy-helder--alexa-neumann

Tim Helder (Local Star)
I grew up in Mount Pleasant and attended Alma College. I enjoyed my college years as a student athlete playing soccer and preparing for a career in medicine. After graduating from Michigan State with my M.D. I spent the next 4 years in residency in Grand Rapids. My wife and I came to Greenville some 20 years ago. My oldest son graduated from Greenville High School last year and my other son is currently a sophomore at Greenville. I also have a beautiful Daughter at Lincoln Heights. I have spent years as a Cub Scout leader and soccer coach with my sons. We have also enjoyed fishing and playing hockey together. Dancing with the local stars is giving me a chance to share in my daughter's love of dance. She has been dancing with Flat River for the last several years. I jumped at the offer to get a glimpse at how hard she works and what it is like to perform in front of an audience. My thanks to the Currys and all of those who have worked so hard for this opportunity.

Alexa Neumann (Pro)
Hello everyone! My name is Alexa Neumann and I am a graduate from Oakland University, but more importantly am an alumni from Greenville High School class of 2017! I grew up dancing at Flat River Dance Company starting at the age of 2 years old, continued on to be the captain of GHS’s dance team my senior year of High School and eventually the treasurer of Oakland University’s Vitality Dance Club (go grizzlies!) while completing college. I am the Facility Coordinator at Cedar Springs Public Schools. In my spare time I still enjoy dancing when I can and spending time with my golden doodle, Benson. I’m so proud to call Greenville my hometown and am ecstatic to be a part of the Dancing with the Local Stars cast this year!

Dancing with the Local Stars is a fundraising event hosted by the Education Foundation of Greenville. Donations will support mental health programming and services for Greenville Public Schools.
Photo Credit: Studio 222

Photos from Education Foundation of Greenville's post 03/27/2023

Please welcome Tom Hallock and Kimberly Gierescher to the Dancing with the Local Stars cast. The dancing pair who raises the most money for this cause (online and at the event) will receive a Mirror Ball Trophy following the performance on April 15, 2023. To give online: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023/tom-hallock--kimberly-gierescher

Tom Hallock (Local Star)
Tom Hallock, Married to Beth Hallock, 4 Children Kyle Swindell, Paige, Alexys and Zoe Hallock. Tom is a long time teacher and coach in Greenville and is the current Head football coach. He was a graduate of GHS where he was all state in football and baseball and a state champion wrestler. After graduating from GHS went to Ferris State University where he became a GLIAC all-conference both as a Football Linebacker and a Outfielder in baseball. Then transferred to GRCC for 1 year and on to University of South Alabama for baseball. Where he graduated before returning to Greenville. Tom has no dance experience other than with his children in the kitchen while making breakfast.

Kim Gierescher (Pro)
Kim Gierescher has lived in the Greenville area for 23 years and has one son, Hayden Wood, who is 22 years old son and will be graduating from Western Michigan University aviation program this summer. She has been dancing since age 4 and has danced with Ballet Theatre Ohio, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, UICA Modern Dance Co and has competed on an amateur level in ballroom at the Ohio Star Ball. Kim has taught ballet, jazz, modern, and ballroom at Boardman Dance institute in Ohio and at Dynamic Dance Studio in Belding. She had been doing mortgages for Northpointe Bank in Grand Rapids for the last 10 years but is now looking for other job opportunities while doing interior painting.

Dancing with the Local Stars is a fundraising event hosted by the Education Foundation of Greenville. Donations will support mental health programming and services for Greenville Public Schools.
Photo Credit: Studio 222

Photos from Education Foundation of Greenville's post 03/22/2023

Please welcome Chuck Elliott and Jesilee Bonofiglio to the Dancing with the Local Stars cast. The dancing pair who raises the most money for this cause (online and at the event) will receive a Mirror Ball Trophy following the performance on April 15, 2023. To give online: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023/chuck-elliott--jesilee-bonofiglio

Chuck Elliott (Local Star)
Chuck Elliott is the owner of CBE Delivery Service, and recently formed CBE Personal Concierge Service with his wife Dawn. Known for his eclectic suits and outgoing personality, he has become a familiar face in the local stores.

Chuck has worked on several other projects throughout the Greenville/Belding community, such as working with Greenville Community Church and AYSO Greenville Region #1471 as their project manager in spearheading and building Integrity Sports Complex from 2011 to 2016. Integrity Sports Complex is not only home to AYSO #1471 games, but also has the capability to host soccer tournaments and clinics.

In addition, he was the League Commissioner of the Greenville/Belding Church Softball League for over five years, before becoming an umpire for the Greenville Recreation Department with their adult softball league.

Chuck and Dawn have been married for 15 years this June, raising six children in their blended family, including having three grandchildren and a fourth coming in June. Together, they enjoy cooking and grilling, relaxing on their deck, taking in Griffins and Whitecaps games, attending various Comic-Cons and Cosplay events, creating different types of Tik Tok videos, and traveling. Chuck is an avid softball player and umpire, diehard Nebraska Husker fan, and likes to collect various knick knacks for his man cave.

Jesilee Bonofiglio (Pro)
Jesilee is married to a loving husband, Mom to four amazing kids, and owner of Grand Rapids Therapy, PLLC where she works as a mental health therapist. In her spare time, she dances in three bachata groups with Evolucion Latina Dance Company, participates in ballroom competitions, and is a volunteer assistant with Step-Up, the youth ballroom program at the Social Dance Studio.

While Jesilee is not usually one to enjoy a lot of group attention, she has discovered that she loves performing. She eagerly performs at events around West Michigan with her Bachata team, and to promote the Social Dance Studio.

As a mental health therapist and dancer, Jesilee feels honored to be a part of this wonderful and beneficial event.

Dancing with the Local Stars is a fundraising event hosted by the Education Foundation of Greenville. Donations will support mental health programming and services for Greenville Public Schools. Get your tickets today! https://gpac.ludus.com/index.php
Photo Credit: Studio 222

Photos from Education Foundation of Greenville's post 03/19/2023

Please welcome Samantha Hondorp and Ray Love to the Dancing with the Local Stars cast. The dancing pair who raises the most money for this cause (online and at the event) will receive a Mirror Ball Trophy following the performance on April 15, 2023. To give online: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023/samantha-hondorp--ray-love

Samantha Hondorp (Local Star)
Samantha Hondorp is a teacher at Greenville High School with the online Legacy Learning program. Originally from Caledonia, Samantha is no stranger to the purple and gold. Samantha and her husband, Josh, lived in North Carolina for seven years before returning to Michigan and moving to Greenville where they now raise their children, Addison (8) and Noah (6), who both attend Baldwin Heights Elementary School. Samantha is the freshman class advisor and also the JV cheer coach at GHS. She's hopeful that her years of cheer background will translate well to the stage for dance.

Ray Love (Pro)
Ray Love was born in the inner city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a dancer, choreographer and instructor who has over 25 years of experience in Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary dance styles, receiving training from Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Ad Deum Dance Company, and The Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) to name a few. His dance experience includes 15 years of performing with GRB, multiple award-winning competitions, and most recently choreographed and performed at the Nationally televised 2022 GMA Dove Awards. Mr. Love is the CEO and Artistic Director of The P.A.C.K., The Den School of Creative Arts, and "I Am" Outreach Program. Ray continues to hold positions as dance instructor and choreographer for multiple dance companies and studios in the Midwest as well as Outreach Program Coordinator with The School of The Grand Rapids Ballet. Ray also has 25 years of experience in Martial arts with an impressive record of 36 wins and 27 KOs and is a singer/song-writer who has provided services for multiple independent artists in the areas of songwriting and vocal arrangement. Ray Love is currently based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan where he is pursuing music, dancing, teaching, and choreographic opportunities.

Dancing with the Local Stars is a fundraising event hosted by the Education Foundation of Greenville. Donations will support mental health programming and services for Greenville Public Schools. Get your tickets today! https://gpac.ludus.com/index.php
Samantha Hondorp’s Photo Credit: Studio 222

Photos from Greenville High School's post 03/18/2023

Welcome to the family Dori!

03/16/2023

Thanks to everyone who donated to help us break $5,000! Only 31 days left to support your favorite dancers. Give online today: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023
Dancing with the Local Stars is a fundraising event hosted by the Education Foundation of Greenville. The performance will be Saturday, April 15th at 5PM in the Greenville High School performing arts center. Donations received will support Mental Health programming and services at Greenville Public Schools.
Tickets: https://gpac.ludus.com/index.php?step=seats

03/14/2023

NEW - This year the EFG is hosting an Afterglow Event at Frugthaven Farm immediately following Dancing with the Local Stars on April 15th. Tickets are $20 and include a drink plus hors d'oeuvres. Meet the cast and celebrate! Tickets available online: https://gpac.ludus.com/index.php or at Central Services Facility (CSF) Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm. Support your favorite couple by donating to their site: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023

Photos from Education Foundation of Greenville's post 03/08/2023

Please welcome Stacy Young and Hans Kliphuis to the Dancing with the Local Stars cast. The dancing pair who raises the most money for this cause (online and at the event) will receive a Mirror Ball Trophy following the performance on April 15, 2023. To give online: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023/stacy-young--hans-kliphuis

Stacy H. Young (Local Star)
Stacy H. Young, Ph.D., joined Montcalm Community College on Jan. 1, 2020, as the college's sixth president and the first female to serve in the institution's top leadership position.

Dr. Young received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Manchester University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Bethel University. In addition, she is a graduate of Andrews University with a Ph.D. in Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration. Most of Dr. Young’s research throughout her Ph.D. program focused on community colleges.

Dr. Young has worked in both corporate America as an auditor and with small businesses as an accountant. This diverse background enabled her to teach a variety of Business and Accounting courses throughout her career.

Serving students in education for more than 24 years, Dr. Young has worked in a variety of roles including adjunct faculty, full-time faculty, chairperson, Dean, and now president. She also serves as a Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission and as a member of the Michigan Education Trust (MET) Board of Directors. In addition to her formal roles, she enjoys speaking in the community and serving others.

Her hobbies include running and spending time with her family.

Hans Kliphuis (Pro)
Hans Kliphuis has been in the dance world as a working professional for more than thirty years. His dance career began at American International Dance Center in Sarasota, FL. He has competed and performed all over the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe as well as become a phenomenally successful choreographer, producer and director for several shows, movies and music videos. Currently, Hans is the Dance Director of Social Dance Studio in Grand Rapids as well as Lead Coach for SDS DanceSport and CEO and founder of Step-Up Youth Productions, a non-profit organization dedicated to training at-risk youth the art of dance performance and production.

Dancing with the Local Stars is a fundraising event hosted by the Education Foundation of Greenville. Donations will support mental health programming and services for Greenville Public Schools.Get your tickets today! https://gpac.ludus.com/index.php
Photo Credit: Studio 222

03/04/2023

Flashback to 2015. Rob Stowe was the first runner to cross the finish line at the Yellow Jacket Challenge with a time of 17:09.8 on a beautiful 60 degree spring day. Let's hope for that same weather this year!
(Photo credit to Bruce Bentley and The Daily News)

Photos from Education Foundation of Greenville's post 03/03/2023

Please welcome Johnny ā€œOā€ Ortiz and Michele Evans to the Dancing with the Local Stars cast. The dancing pair who raises the most money for this cause (online and at the event) will receive a Mirror Ball Trophy following the performance on April 15, 2023. To give online: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/EFG2023/johnny-ortiz--michelle-evans

Johnny ā€œOā€ Ortiz (Local Star)
Graduated from Greenville High School class of 1989. Served in the United States, Marine Corps, 91–95. Professional announcer for different sports boxing/MMA/Public Address. I love donating my time/voice to help out great causes! I have two daughters, Alicia and Mikayla that are amazing! my advice to anyone… Shoot for the stars tomorrow isn’t promised enjoy todayšŸ–¤

Michele Evans (Pro)
Michele is Greenville raised with an abundance of world experience and a passion for diversity. She broke the mold in many areas of life and is always looking for the ā€œyes you can!ā€ part of the equation. Michele enjoys inspiring people to be the best versions of themselves through empowerment and helping them realize their self-worth. Michele states ā€œI grew up believing I wasn’t smart enough for university because I didn’t fit the mold of what I was shown that looked like.ā€ She is a first generation college student who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology and is now using her education and life training at West Michigan Works to help motivate and guide individuals from every background or challenge towards an education or a trade path to success. Many refer to her as the ā€œreality brokerā€ as she does not co-sign career defeat and has coached many to achieve their career goals and healthier emotional intelligence.
With her hard work ethics modeled by her father and her successful business mindset, she was afforded the ability to travel the world. Michele lived overseas and experienced multiple cultures for many years before returning to her hometown to raise her Portuguese born son, who is her greatest joy and miracle.
ā€œI want to be the face of perseverance for so many who were told they couldn’t or believe they can’t, so helping the Education Foundation earn funding for mental health programs in our schools is one more way to help, even if I may literally break a leg!ā€ Michele noted she is not a dance pro but for a good cause she is willing to fake it until WE all make it!!
Dancing with the Local Stars is a fundraising event hosted by the Education Foundation of Greenville. Donations will support mental health programming and services for Greenville Public Schools.Get your tickets today! https://gpac.ludus.com/index.php
Photo Credit: Studio 222

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Location

Category

Address


1414 Chase Street
Greenville, MI
48838
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