Community members and friends are invited to attend The Vibe, a Parks and Recreation gala benefiting Kentwood’s Adaptive Sports programs, which provide recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Now in its third year, The Vibe will highlight the City’s adaptive water ski program – a one-of- kind program in Michigan that offers lessons and clinics for youth and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. All proceeds raised will be used to purchase a new ski boat to benefit the program.

The celebration will take place on Friday, May 18 from 6-10 p.m. at Stonewater Country Club, located at 7177 Kalamazoo Avenue SE in Caledonia. Featured speakers will include Katelyn Bush, Susie Kluting and Pam Buschle, who will share how Kentwood’s adaptive recreation programs have impacted their lives.

“The Vibe Gala is the perfect opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues in an upbeat environment while supporting recreation access to all in West Michigan” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Our keynote speakers are three incredible women who have impactful stories to tell that underscore the importance of inclusive recreational opportunities. We welcome the community to join us for this remarkable event and to support our adaptive sports program.”

Bush is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist who has worked with Kentwood Parks and Recreation for the past three years. During a routine ultrasound in 2017, Bush and her husband discovered their daughter had a birth defect called myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida. While she has worked with children who have this diagnosis previously, Bush now navigates the maze of parenthood with a child who has a disability.

Kluting has played sled hockey for the Grand Rapids Sled Wings for more than 10 years, with sights on the U.S. Paralympic Team. Born with spina bifida, Kluting was introduced to sled hockey through Mary Free Bed’s Adaptive Sports program. She now uses her experience and expertise on to support, educate and empower children with disabilities and their families.

Buschle, a social worker at Kentwood Elementary Schools, developed a severe form of sepsis in 2013, forcing her medical team to amputate all four of her limbs to increase her chances of survival. Buschle uses prosthetics to live her life with joy, hope and purpose.

The evening will include dinner, dancing and a silent auction. The auction will feature items such as four passes to Action Wake Park, aVIP tour and tasting for six adults at Chateau Chantel, a one night stay and restaurant credit at Little River Casino, two adult round trip ferry tickets for Beaver Island Boat Company, and more. The auction will also feature sports memorabilia, golf packages, jewelry, and museum passes among other things.

Tickets for the semi-formal event are $100 per person and can be purchased online a kentwoodvibe.com or by calling 616-656-5270.