Hilary Mayes, National Kidney Foundation of Michigan
Special Events Coordinator
Hilary Mayes serves as Special Events Coordinator at the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) – Grand Rapids Branch. Since its inception in 1955, the NKFM has led the fight against kidney disease and has increased awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donations. The Grand Rapids Branch of the NKFM, founded in 1992, has been serving the city of Grand Rapids and the surrounding area by providing local public education and prevention programs as well as patient services. In addition, the Grand Rapids branch generates financial support for the Foundation.
Since 2012, Hilary has been responsible for generating that support through two large fundraising events: the Mardi Gras Kidney Ball and the Grand Rapids Kidney Walk.
The Mardi Gras Kidney Ball is a 400 person black tie gala held annually in Grand Rapids. Bringing in 15% of the annual fundraising budget, this event includes a live and silent auction, multiple raffles, formal dinner, live band, and other activities. The majority of attendees are corporate sponsors and heavily focused on local business and medical professionals.
The Grand Rapids Kidney Walk hosts 800 attendees in early May, and includes a three mile walk, health and wellness area, kids zone, and complimentary lunch, all taking place in and around Fifth Third Ball Park. Hilary is responsible for the recruitment of corporate sponsors and teams, as well as family based teams.
Prior to the NKFM, Hilary was the Association Sales Manager with DoubleTree by Hilton, working directly with association based meeting planners, assisting in the development and coordination of conferences with 300+ attendees. From 2009-2011, Hilary served as Group Sales and Event Coordinator for the Holland Tulip Time Festival; responsible for bringing in over 150 tour bus companies and coordinating the three festival parades.
Hilary is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Hilary Mayes serves as Special Events Coordinator at the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) – Grand Rapids Branch. Since its inception in 1955, the NKFM has led the fight against kidney disease and has increased awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donations. The Grand Rapids Branch of the NKFM, founded in 1992, has been serving the city of Grand Rapids and the surrounding area by providing local public education and prevention programs as well as patient services. In addition, the Grand Rapids branch generates financial support for the Foundation.
Since 2012, Hilary has been responsible for generating that support through two large fundraising events: the Mardi Gras Kidney Ball and the Grand Rapids Kidney Walk.
The Mardi Gras Kidney Ball is a 400 person black tie gala held annually in Grand Rapids. Bringing in 15% of the annual fundraising budget, this event includes a live and silent auction, multiple raffles, formal dinner, live band, and other activities. The majority of attendees are corporate sponsors and heavily focused on local business and medical professionals.
The Grand Rapids Kidney Walk hosts 800 attendees in early May, and includes a three mile walk, health and wellness area, kids zone, and complimentary lunch, all taking place in and around Fifth Third Ball Park. Hilary is responsible for the recruitment of corporate sponsors and teams, as well as family based teams.
Prior to the NKFM, Hilary was the Association Sales Manager with DoubleTree by Hilton, working directly with association based meeting planners, assisting in the development and coordination of conferences with 300+ attendees. From 2009-2011, Hilary served as Group Sales and Event Coordinator for the Holland Tulip Time Festival; responsible for bringing in over 150 tour bus companies and coordinating the three festival parades.
Hilary is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.