Join us on Wednesday, October 2, for an unforgettable evening at the Illuminate Hope Gala.

Celebrate ten years of empowering teen mamas and illuminating brighter futures.

Experience inspiring art that tells the Stories of Hope from our families.
Walk through the Decade Together exhibit, showcasing a decade of transformative work at Grace's Table.
Participate in our Fund a Need Auction, where your generosity will directly support the vital programs and services that empower teen mamas.

Enjoy heavy appetizers and an open bar as we come together to honor the incredible journey of our community. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the event will kick off at 6:30 PM.

By attending and donating, you’re directly supporting Grace’s Table’s mission—providing programs, advocacy, support, and education that empower teen mamas to move from isolation into community and embrace hope-filled futures.

Get your ticket today and be a part of this life-changing evening!

DETAILS

Date
Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Time
6:00 Doors Open

6:30pm-8:30pm

Dress Code
Snappy Casual

Location
Grand Rapids Downtown Market
435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Tickets
$75
Tickets include access to an open bar, a selection of hearty appetizers, and a celebration of our first decade!

BUY TICKETS

Experience the "Stories of Hope" exhibit at the Illuminate Hope Gala, where talented teen mamas from Grace's Table showcase their beautiful artwork. Each piece reflects their journeys of hope and connection with our community, and the artists will be present to share their experiences. Don’t miss the chance to support their creativity; these pieces will be live auctioned later in the evening, with proceeds making it possible for more mamas to experience the hope these artists know firsthand.

Stories of Hope

“Metamorphosis of Hope” by Mari

My painting represents the cycle of life with butterflies even though we describe the human life cycle in stages, we all continually and gradually change from day to day through all of these stages. I feel like Grace’s Table has illuminated hope through my experience because they’ve opened my eyes to a better community and life-long friendships. They have showed countless acts of kindness and hospitality. They have given me hope to a better welcoming environment around people I can bond with and relate similar experiences and also bigger and better opportunities that I wouldn’t have ever imagined, and I thank them so much for it.

“The Puzzle of Hope” by Yollieva

For so long, even from a young age, I never believed life would come together. Something was missing—I didn’t have close friends or help with everyday things. When I connected with Grace’s Table, I committed to being all in, and I’ve taken advantage of everything they offer. I’ve built lasting friendships and received the support my family needed. It’s like finding a puzzle piece that fits perfectly into my life.
Grace’s Table has given me the connections to pursue my dreams and career, and it feels like everything is finally falling into place—something I haven’t experienced since becoming a parent. But now, the puzzle pieces are fitting.

The jar in my artwork represents Grace’s Table, and each plant symbolizes a mom. The test tubes represent the years Grace’s Table has existed, with each new leaf representing hope.
To me, hope at Grace’s Table means healing and realizing that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

“Let Hope Hold You” by Perla

The staff and moms at Grace's Table have given me so much; I can only hope to have given them an ounce of what they’ve blessed me with. Ever since joining Grace's Table, I have started therapy, made friends, taken classes at Calvin, worked full-time at the most wonderful nonprofit, and become the co-chair of the Kent County Youth Action Board. At Grace's Table, I found a place that poured back into my cup. I discovered a sense of purpose, learned to see the beauty in the little things, and found safety. I laughed, I cried, I contemplated, I felt unsure, I was happy, I was sad, and I asked questions. Throughout it all, I was accepted. I found hope—a hope for a life that is about so much more than just surviving, a belief that I can recreate myself, and I have. I am ever-changing and resilient. I am soft, and I am strong. I am gentle, and I am fierce.
My life is abundantly filled with hope ever since I joined Grace's Table, and I will forever encourage mamas to come experience the grace of Grace's Table.

"The Love That Connects Us" by Kay

The love we receive at Grace’s Table feels like a home away from home. Being a mom is such a beautiful experience—it's like having a piece of yourself in your child. Through Grace’s Table, I’ve learned from other moms and have felt the embrace of a community I didn’t have before. Everyone here is welcoming, loving, and real. I love how openly we can talk about God, and how you can truly be yourself—whether you’re funny, quirky, or just having a tough day. There’s no need to hide. If you’re hungry, there’s always a meal. If you’re lost or overwhelmed, there’s always someone to listen. I’ll never forget the day I arrived here and just sat down and cried. This place is incredible in every way.

Being a mom isn’t easy—it’s exhausting, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming. But in those moments when I look into my daughter’s eyes, all of the hardship melts away. I see her growing, and I see a future full of possibilities. It’s incredible how time flies, and when I look at her, I see hope. I see the potential for her to become an amazing mom one day. My deepest wish for her is that she won’t have to struggle as much as I have. I hope she graduates high school and goes on to be someone strong, capable, and full of life, without repeating the same mistakes I’ve made.

“Hope Filled” by Amaya

This illustration is representative of all of the ways Grace’s Table has poured hope into me as a mother: through safety, trust, confidence, courage, and support. Grace’s Table has been a safe place to grow. I have learned how to walk into a room filled with people I do not know and engage in conversations without it being difficult like it once used to be. I have grown significantly in my confidence. I can say with confidence that I am a good mom, a good person, I do my best, and that I am beautiful inside and out. As I thought about hope and was creating my artwork, I realized I was given the courage and support to have my second baby when I was initially scared that I could not do it on my own. With the support of Grace’s Table and my amazing mentor, I have grown in my ability to believe in myself and am filled with hope for the future.