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ABOUT US

Michelle Bottrall

founder & creative director

Founder Michelle Bottrall received her bachelors degree from Aquinas College and has her master's in nonprofit administration from Grand Valley State University.  Michelle has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the local nonprofit field.  She was the head of the Cascade Community Foundation and worked with board members and donors to create strategy and build endowment and special project funds. The endowment grew by almost 300% during her time there.  She has been chair or member of multiple area boards and committees and worked as the Director of Philanthropy for Meals on Wheels.  She enjoys using her creative expertise and breadth of experience to create philanthropic partnerships and events that are known for their impact. Strategy, creative thinking and intimate knowledge of the West Michigan area are her strong suits.  Michelle has been the creative edge behind successful area events and fundraisers like:

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  • 125th Anniversary Celebrations for Wawashkamo Golf Club including the Wawa Fling, Family Goofy Golf, PGA Pro Exhibition Game, Celebration Cocktail Party

  • 2022 & 2023 Michilimackinac Historical Society Bridging History Celebration

  • American Red Cross Hometown Heroes & Board Strategic Planning

  • American Red Cross-National Tiffany Circle Strategic Planning

  • Aquinas College Alumni Awards Event, Homecoming, Annual Auction, Evening of Elegance, Presidents Dinner & Wege Golf Event Chair

  • Cascade Community Foundation Iron Chef, Airport Viewing Park Campaign, Life Preserver Events, Luncheons,  RiverBeat Concert Series, Tributes & Triumphs - Committee Planning

  • Equine Assisted Development Unity in Community, Pamper the Ponies Spa Day, Pony Baby Shower, Koetsier Green House Visit

  • Metro Cruise Warm Up

  • Meals On Wheels West Michigan Hybrid Chef Specialty & Wheelie Great Drive

  • Retrouvaille Regional Events, Workshops, Monthly Support Meetings, Strategic Planning

  • Special Olympics Christmas Tree Auctions

  • "What is Philanthropy" Fundraiser

  • Women Republicans Fashion Show

  • Young Republicans Event – Host

Brenda Partee

administrator & detail ninja

With a name like Partee it was inevitable that Brenda ended up working as a party planner. 

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Brenda is the “Detail Ninja” of B Our Guest Events, so you’ll see her taking notes, doing mailings, following up with committee members, and helping out wherever needed.

 

Her passion for hospitality began when she was looking for a way to work directly with people and make a change. Brenda started working for national and worldwide hotel chains and continued on with a company that planned private events from weddings to funerals, showers to receptions. All aspects of planning, from flowers, catering and venues were all part of her job.

 

Brenda was raised here in Ada, Michigan and currently lives in Lowell. She loves West Michigan and all it has to offer, especially the seasons. Over the years, she has been a volunteer for many places and events including a position on the Ada Elementary PTO board. 

 

Brenda brings a different perspective to B Our Guest Events that comes from years of experience in the event industry. From growth to execution and down to that small detail, Brenda will be right there. She is excited to work with you and wants to learn all she can about your organization and help you grow. ​

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AFFILIATIONS & AWARDS ​

  • 2010-present Board Member and Co-Chair Retrouvaille Grand Rapids2016-2018 Board Chair American Red Cross Greater Grand Rapids

  • 2013 Clara Barton Humanitarian of the Year Greater Grand Rapids Red Cross

  • 2011-2021 Bonnie McElveen-Hunter member of The Tiffany Circle, a national society of women leaders and philanthropists who are passionate about the mission of the Red Cross

  • 2007-2015 Board Chair Cascade Community Foundation

  • 2005 Aquinas College Alumni Board Member of the Year. 

  • 2000-2013 Aquinas College Alumni Board & Annual Fund Committee Member

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WHAT YOU WILL LOVE ABOUT HER:

  • She’s attentive – she wants to know more about your mission, your committee and your values.  

  • Her eye for details – and somehow also remembering all of the details.

  • Her willingness to jump in and help with any project.

  • Her love of food and all things food. She’s a foodie, but not a cook.


FUN FACTS:

  • Brenda is a Certified Tourist Ambassador for Grand Rapids.

  • She is known to have a campfire in the backyard and it’s an open seat for anyone who wants to come over to relax, talk or have a drink.

  • She has the title of Lady of Kerry, from the Lords of Ireland.

Image by Nikita Tikhomirov
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Distinctive events that make an impact

B OUR GUEST is not your usual event company. With more than 20 years of creating and implementing profitable, unique events, we know how to make an impact. We bring you smart planning strategies, pragmatic creativity, proven systems and thorough attention to detail. Masters at creativity and experts at logistics, we aim for efficient and seamless execution which drives our mantra, "Exceeding Expectations."

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