Wyoming-Kentwood News Today
greer@wktv.org
The City of Kentwood is inviting community members to celebrate a decade of The Vibe, an annual celebration and fundraiser supporting Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation programs, on Thursday, Sept. 10.
The 10th annual event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the new Kentwood Community Center, 4755 Walma Ave. SE. Guests will enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner, live music, a silent auction, and adaptive equipment displays while supporting recreation opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Casual attire is encouraged.
For a decade, The Vibe has helped raise funds to enhance Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation programs, which offer a wide variety of activities designed to meet the needs and interests of individuals of all abilities.
This year’s featured speaker is Nicholas Deblecourt, who will share his story of resilience, adaptation and finding new ways to stay active following a life-changing accident.
After experiencing a seizure while driving, Nicholas survived a life-threatening crash that resulted in severe burn injuries and ultimately led to an amputation. He will share his journey of adjusting to life as an amputee and the important role adaptive recreation can play in helping people stay active, connected, and confident.
The Vibe holds a special connection for Nicholas, who previously interned with Kentwood Parks & Recreation. The City is honored to welcome him back to Kentwood to share his experience as the community celebrates 10 years of The Vibe and the impact of Adaptive Recreation programs.
“Adaptive recreation is about so much more than the activity itself,” said Tara Holliman, Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation Coordinator. “It’s about creating opportunities for people to try something new, build confidence, make connections, and recognize what they can do. The support we receive through The Vibe helps us continue creating those opportunities for individuals and families throughout our community.”
The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department provides Michigan’s most comprehensive adaptive recreation programming alongside several community partners. The program also is made possible thanks to the help of a strong volunteer network. Adaptive programing includes activities such as archery, bowling, cycling, kayaking, pickleball, rock climbing, skiing, water skiing, and social events. Programs are made possible through the support of the community, volunteers, and event sponsors.
“Reaching the 10th year of The Vibe is an incredible milestone, and it speaks to how much our community values creating opportunities for everyone to participate,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Director. “We are grateful to everyone who has supported this event over the years and helped us continue expanding the ways people of all abilities can connect, participate, and thrive.”
Event Details:
Location: Kentwood Community Center, 4755 Walma Ave. SE
Tickets: $45 per person and can be purchased online at kentwood.us/Vibe. Tickets also can be purchased through Kentwood Parks and Recreation.
The Vibe Schedule:
- 6 p.m. – Cocktails, dinner, adaptive equipment displays, silent auction and mingling
- Featured speaker – Nicholas Deblecourt
- Entertainment – Live music and additional activities throughout the evening
Money raised through The Vibe will support Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation programs and help provide equipment, activities and opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
Programs are open to individuals of all abilities in Kentwood and beyond. To learn more about The Vibe and Kentwood’s Adaptive Recreation programs, visit kentwood.us/Vibe or Kentwood Adaptive Recreation.
