Events
Bee Brave 5K Run (timed)
Bee Brave 5K Walk (not timed)
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://purplecommunity.vai.org/bee-brave/.
Place
Caledonia, MI US 49316
Description
Bee Brave goes beyond fundraising events — it’s a powerful, supportive community of people. For 20 years, we have:
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Raised awareness for breast cancer research
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Supported those facing the disease
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Honored those we have lost
It’s a place of hope — a space to share stories, lift each other up, and celebrate victories big and small.
Real impact, right at home: Since 2016, Bee Brave has raised over $1 million to support breakthrough breast cancer research at Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids.
What makes Bee Brave different? Every dollar truly counts and stays local.
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100% of funds raised stay in Grand Rapids, Michigan, supporting breast cancer research at Van Andel Institute
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100% of events are volunteer run
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100% of race registration fees go directly to research
No salaries. No overhead distractions. Just a shared commitment to finding a cure.
Powered by community: For nearly a decade, Bee Brave’s partnership with Van Andel Institute has helped fund critical breast cancer research — something that wouldn’t be possible without:
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Dedicated volunteers giving their time
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Local business sponsors supporting the mission
Every person involved chooses impact over recognition, ensuring every dollar goes where it matters most.
Stronger together with Purple Community: Bee Brave proudly partners with Van Andel Institute Purple Community — a grassroots program that connects individuals, schools, teams and businesses to the fight against diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s.
With tools, guidance and support to create meaningful fundraising efforts, Purple Community helps amplify every contribution. One hundred percent of every donation goes directly to research.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Team Buzz Warrior
So … what EXACTLY is a Team Buzz Warrior? And more importantly — how can you become one? Because let’s be honest … who doesn’t want to be a WARRIOR?
A Team Buzz Warrior is at the heart of what makes Bee Brave so special. It’s our signature fundraising challenge. It’s all about teamwork, community and impact.
How it works:
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Sign up as a team captain
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Start your own team and rally your people: friends, family, coworkers.
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Your goal: $1,000
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Raise funds through:
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Team registrations (in-person or virtual)
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Donations to your team
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Hit your goal → earn the jacket
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Raise $1,000 and you’ll earn the official Team Buzz Warrior jacket
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The best part? You choose what the jacket means.
Keep it as a badge of honor or gift it to someone currently fighting breast cancer. Either way, it’s a win for everyone, especially the cause.
Think $1,000 sounds like a lot?
It might at first, but people show up when they understand what you’re doing and why it matters. You won’t be doing this alone. Even if you don’t hit the goal, every dollar raised makes a difference. Your effort still moves the mission forward.
Ready to step up? Become a Team Buzz Warrior. Build your team. Make an impact.
Let’s do this, together.
Facebook Fundraising
Below are simple instructions to set up a Facebook fundraising page to support VAI. It’s quick, safe and Facebook handles everything — receipts, reminders, all of it.
If just 100 people set up one fundraising page using the default $200 goal, we could raise $20,000, just like that!
Here are the instructions for setting up a fundraising page:
Desktop will be the preferred method, but you can create it on mobile. It is a bit more complicated on a mobile device, so we recommend using a desktop.
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Open Facebook
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On the side menu, find and select Fundraisers
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Click Select Nonprofit
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Search and select Van Andel Institute
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Customize the amount to raise and length of fundraiser (recommend Nov. 1). Mobile does not allow the length to be edited.
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Add Bee Brave behind your name in the fundraiser title (ex. Chris's Bee Brave Fundraiser for Van Andel Institute)
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Edit the Why section with recommended verbiage and personalize team info name in text.
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Edit fundraiser photo
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Click Create
Course Map
The course this year will return to part open road and part gravel/cross country course. Strollers and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.
Directions
Like this page and invite your friends on Facebook.
Race Participant Survey
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.
