About the Drive for Life
For four decades, the Drive for Life Gala has attracted the support of business leaders, sponsors and volunteers; bringing the Kalamazoo community together for an extraordinary night of charity.
The Drive for Life Gala debuted in 1982 with a starting ticket price of just $1, raising less than $20,000 for the American Cancer Society. Today, the annual Drive for Life Gala benefits the American Cancer Society and other local charities now with millions in annual support after breaking fundraising records in 2022 along our largest number of sponsors in 2024.
Over the last few years, the charity event has counted on the ongoing support of presenting sponsors Zeigler Auto Group, Greenleaf Trust and Huntington Bank.
2025Marks the 43rd Year for the Drive For Life Foundation
The 42nd Annual Drive for Life Foundation Gala took place on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at the Radisson Plaza in downtown Kalamazoo.
It was a record turnout of people and sponsors who came out to support the event throughout the evening. Last year's 42nd Annual Drive for Life Foundation Gala brought in $1 million dollars this year, and $7.3M since the event's inception.
Get To Know Our Benefiting Charities
Thanks to the generous outpouring of support and contributions from the community and businesses in the area, the Drive for Life Foundation Gala was a huge success, raising over $1 Million this year in benefit of many local charities. These organizations offer our area's most vulnerable citizens a number of indispensable programs and services.
For over 44 years, it has been our mission to continue to support these worthy causes, both small and large, to ensure a brighter future for all.
Some of our past benefiting charities have included: the American Cancer Society, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, First Day Shoe Fund, Gull Lake Schools, Family Camps, American Heart Association, Sherman Lake YMCA, KC Ready 4s, Southwest Michigan Miracle League, Wings of Mercy, Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, Walk Tall Foundation For Kids, Family & Children Services and Be Nice.
Become A Sponsor Today!
Make a big impact in the community today by supporting the Drive for Life Foundation!Â
Through your generous support of a financial gift, ticket purchase, or live and/or silent auction donation, we will be able to continue to provide funds for worthy charities and organizations in the area. You'll also be highlighted at one of the largest events of the year in Kalamazoo.Â
