Latest news with #Westphal
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Greatest Generation to be honored in Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Greatest Generation Celebration to honor those who served in World War II is being planned for later this summer in Grand Rapids to mark 80 years since the war ended. The includes a variety of events including a parade through downtown Grand Rapids. Organizers say they wanted to honor the sacrifices made while some WWII veterans are still around to see it. Brian Hauenstein is a co-chair of the committee planning the events. 'We really feel like this 80th anniversary is our last-ditch effort to say to the very few that are remaining, 98 years plus is how old they are now, and we really want to say one last time, 'Thank you so much for creating a world where we can live freely,'' Hauenstein said. Muskegon County Muskegon event to commemorate D-Day with ship tours, reenactment The legacy of his grandfather is one of many stories that will be honored. 'He was called up into active service at Fort Sheridan, Illinois soon sent off to Iceland where he was aid to camp and when a plane went down, that they'd shot down, a German plane prior to U.S. involvement in the war, he recovered a codebook and carried that to Bletchley Park where, as many know, code-breaking took (place) on the British side,' Hauenstein said. That book was crucial in the effort to break German codes and understand what the Nazis were planning. Friday is the anniversary of the D-Day invasion by Allied forces in Normandy, France. 'He was involved in the D-day invasion planning, the deception plots that took place around D-Day,' Hauenstein said. The Greatest Generation Celebration begins Sept. 1 and lasts a week. It is scheduled around Sept. 2, which will mark 80 years since the WWII officially ended. Joel Westphal came up with the idea for this celebration and is the chairman of the committee. 'It was the culmination of 1,300 days of conflict, over 400,000 Americans killed and we have to remember that the end of the war created a major celebration here in this country,' Westphal said. 'There was never really a large celebration here in Grand Rapids after the end of the Second World War and so it's a combination of trying to reengage that memory and also to thank those who sacrificed.' The celebration begins on Labor Day with a parade through downtown Grand Rapids followed by a flyover with WWII-era planes. People attending the parade can make a donation and have a sign made honoring their loved ones who served that can be carried around for the community to see. Michigan WWII soldier buried 83 years after death Other events include the Greatest Generation Day at LMCU Ballpark, speakers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, and a Victory Ball celebration at the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo. 'It takes a massive effort of time. My time, our committee's time and it also takes a lot of sponsors,' Westphal said. The organizers say all the work is the least they can do to show appreciation and make sure their sacrifices are not forgotten. 'A big part of what we are doing here today is to connect that younger generation. Those that are just coming into the world. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Daughters of the American Revolution and help them understand the sacrifices that were made,' Hauenstein said. For a complete schedule of events and to learn how to donate, you can visit the . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Producer Jenifer Westphal Announces Parkinson's Diagnosis, $1M Donation to Michael J. Fox Foundation
Jenifer Westphal, founder and CEO of production studio Wavelength, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, and is using the moment to support research into the disease. The producer — who has been behind projects including 2018's Won't You Be My Neighbor? and the upcoming On Swift Horses, as well as Broadway hits like The Outsiders and Burlesque — received her diagnosis on Aug. 15, 2024 and is going public now, while also donating $1 million to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. More from The Hollywood Reporter Christie Brinkley Honored at Aspen's Snow Ball Gala, Raising $3.5M for Pediatric Cancer Research Jewel to Perform at Sean Penn's CORE Fundraiser at Art Basel Miami Beach: Org's Mission "Is a Vital Part of Building Strong Communities" (Exclusive) Architect of Lil Jon's Viral DNC Cameo To Help Celebs Boost Social and Political Impact The gift, announced during Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, will support research that advances more precise and personalized treatments, including efforts to develop a simple diagnostic test for early detection. Westphal, whose career has been focused on supporting underrepresented storytellers, is also drawing attention to the impact Parkinson's has on women — approximately 40 percent of people living with the disease are women and their experiences are typically quite different from men. 'Women are often overlooked when it comes to being diagnosed, and in their own awareness of the risks and symptoms of the disease,' Westphal said in a statement. 'By partnering with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which does incredible work driving resources and awareness to Parkinson's, we can hopefully reach more people and bring us closer to the ultimate goal of finding a cure.' Westphal has long been involved in the philanthropic space, with her family's foundation investing millions in education initiatives; she has also been a supporter of organizations that empower neurodiverse people, as well as of community impact projects, land conservation efforts and mental health advocacy. And the Michael J. Fox Foundation, now in its 25th year, is a leader in Parkinson's research, funding over $2 billion in studies and accelerating 19 new treatments to market. 'Thanks to the generosity of our supporters like Jenifer, the Michael J. Fox Foundation is closer than ever to improved treatments and a cure for the millions of people and families living with Parkinson's,' said Lisa Boudreau, MJFF chief development officer. 'With Jenifer's tremendous gift, remarkable storytelling and shared vision for what's possible when we work together, we're seizing on today's Parkinson's research momentum and pipeline with urgency and optimism.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Lady in the Lake' to 'It Ends With Us': 29 New and Upcoming Book Adaptations in 2024 Meet the Superstars Who Glam Up Hollywood's A-List Rosie O'Donnell on Ellen, Madonna, Trump and 40 Years in the Queer Spotlight
