Purple Week
Purple Week returns in the fall of 2026!
We're excited to host our 9th Purple Community Event to raise money and awareness for cancer and Parkinson's disease research at Van Andel Institute. Purple Week 2026 will be September 21 - 25. Our sports teams will be "going purple" during this week to join in the fundraiser and honor loved ones impacted by these illnesses.
Meet the 2026 Honorees
Stay tuned for those who will be honored for their courageous battles.
Purple Week Events
Mark your calendars to show up and support your bulldogs as they participate in special purple community athletic events. Each team will wear special purple jerseys or accessories to immerse themselves in the cause. This is often a personal event for our athletes who might have a family member who has been impacted by cancer or Parkinson’s. They can honor their loved ones by putting their name on the backs of their jerseys. You’ll often see “Mom” or “Grandma” or “Uncle Jim”, for example. It puts a name and a personal story with the fundraising efforts. At the core, this is about helping those battling these illnesses today and in the future.
- Sept. 9 - Golf @ Shamrock Hills, 4pm
- Sept. 16 - Tennis, 4pm
- Sept. 21 - Pizza Hut Dine to Donate, 4-8pm
- Sept. 22 - Swim & Dive, 6pm
- Sept. 24 - Varsity Volleyball, 6pm
- Sept. 25 - Varsity Football, 7pm
- Sept. 28 - Varsity Boys Soccer, 6pm
- Sept. 29 - Cross Country, 5PM
- Oct. 2 - Open Swim, 6-8PM, OAC
Carnival
The Purple Game carnival is always a hit and a fun way to support the cause and kick off the big purple football game - the main event for purple week that features a special ceremony prior to the game. The carnival takes place in the field behind the press box at Bulldog Stadium. Your child will enjoy a ton of different carnival games and prizes and you’ll be able to visit with some of our sponsors who are joining us in adding games to the event.
The carnival runs from 5-6:30pm. This is a separate entrance from the football game, it takes place outside the stadium. (Tickets to the football game must be purchased separately.)
Donations
One of the most impactful ways to join the cause is with your monetary donation. With Van Andel Institute’s Purple Community, every dollar raised goes directly to research and their scientists. VAI calls it 100% Hope. To date, we have raised $175,000 total in the previous seven events that began in 2010.
Purple Apparel
There’s nothing like seeing a sea of purple at a school that bleeds blue & gold. Donning our purple apparel shows the power and support of our community for this incredible cause. This year’s theme is “Connected by Hope, United by Purpose." One thing that unites us is our connection to those who are battling cancer or Parkinson’s Disease. It’s likely each of us knows someone struggling with one of those illnesses and your purchase supports the medical research going into finding new information and potential treatments. The selection has grown to cover you from head to toe! Youth sizes available in short sleeve t-shirts and crewneck sweatshirts.
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T-shirts (short and long sleeve)
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Sweatshirts (crewneck and hoodies)
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Plaid PJ pants
The online ordering deadline is September 11th. Merchandise will be delivered to your child at their school to bring home.
Jersey Sponsorships
Our athletes will once again be wearing special purple jerseys with the name of a loved one to honor on the back. Athletes get the opportunity first to purchase their own jersey. Any jerseys not sponsored by the athlete are available for community members. If you would like to sponsor a jersey, the athlete will wear the jersey with the name of your choice on the back during their contest, but then the jersey will be cleaned and given to the sponsor to keep. (Jersey sizes will match the athlete, that cannot be personalized.) If you are interested and would like to get on the waiting list for jersey sponsorships, please fill out the form below. (Please note: this is not the link for fall varsity athletes)
Options and prices are:
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Football jersey: $100
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Soccer jersey: $50
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Volleyball jersey: $50
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Tennis jersey: $50
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Golf flag: $100
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Cheer jersey: $50
Light Post Banners
Honor a loved one impacted by cancer or Parkinson’s Disease with this special display. Light post banners hang in downtown Otsego during Purple Week and for several weeks after. Each one is double-sided with your loved one’s photo and the illness they are battling or have battled. This can be a survivor, someone currently battling the illness or to honor those who have passed. Each banner is $150.
Deadline to purchase is September 4, 2026.