GEMS Fundraising Dinner 2026

A Special Fundraising event for GEMS Girls’ Clubs

Returning to Our Roots. Reaching Today’s Girls.

Thursday, October 8
6:00–8:30 p.m.

Watermark Country Club
1600 Galbraith Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating how God is changing the lives of girls around the world through GEMS Girls’ Clubs.

Dinner is our gift to you.

RSVP HERE

Come as an individual, attend with friends, or host a table of eight.

Event Details

Thursday, October 8, 2026
Watermark Country Club
1600 Galbraith Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

6:00–8:30 p.m.

Today's girls need us.

Today’s girls are navigating pressures, questions, and challenges that can leave them searching for truth, belonging, and hope. They need trusted mentors who will listen, walk alongside them, and point them to the unchanging love of Jesus.

At the GEMS Fundraising Dinner, you’ll hear powerful stories of lives being transformed, learn more about the realities facing today’s girls, and discover how you can help GEMS reach the next generation with biblical truth and the love of Christ.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

An evening of inspiration and impact

Join us for:

A complimentary dinner
Powerful stories of God at work through GEMS
An engaging panel about the challenges facing today’s girls
A vision for reaching even more girls with the hope and love of Jesus
An opportunity to invest in the next generation

Panel Discussion - Leading Girls in Today’s Realities

Today’s girls are growing up in a rapidly changing world. During this engaging panel discussion, trusted voices from ministry and community leadership will explore the pressures girls are facing, what helps them develop a strong sense of identity and belonging, and why consistent, Christ-centered mentorship matters more than ever.

Together, we’ll consider how churches, mentors, families, and supporters can help girls navigate today’s realities with biblical truth, meaningful relationships, and the hope of Jesus.

That connects the panel directly to the dinner’s fundraising purpose.

Meet the panelists

Amy Schenkel is passionate about helping churches love and be present with their neighbors. As Pastor of Local Mission at Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church, she partners with spiritual and community organizations to help create a city where everyone experiences belonging. Amy also brings extensive experience equipping leaders through interactive learning and facilitated dialogue.

Heather Dood has spent more than 15 years loving, discipling, and mentoring children and youth through ministry. She also brings the personal perspective of a mother raising three daughters in today’s culture and a deep commitment to helping young people know and follow Jesus.

Craig Van Hill brings years of experience serving students and families through youth ministry and community outreach. His work has given him valuable insight into the challenges young people face and the importance of trusted adults, supportive communities, and relationships rooted in faith.

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