EAST LANSING - Ele’s Place held its 20th annual reception at the Huntington Club in the Spartan Stadium.

More than 400 supporters attended the event. The supporters came from various industries and community groups.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for us to show our appreciation for our volunteers, our donors, and all of our supporters who have made our mission possible," said Ele's Place Managing Director Dan Layman.

Ele's Place is a non-profit organization that provides grieving support programs for children and teens. The organization's programs are free of charge and they rely on donations from other organizations.

"Its always wonderful to come and see people in the community and everyone who is involved in it and supports Ele's Place," said Mary Roszel, Co-Founder of Biggby Coffee, one of the sponsors.

The event was chaired by Tim Staudt and Becky Dantonio.

"Probably I would guess the majority of people here are supporters of Ele's Place," said Becky Dantonio, the event chair. "But it's just nice to know what Ele's Place is doing, what's been going on in the last year and just to get together and be able to find out more about their mission and to meet a family and to really know what they are doing there every day."

The reception charged $100 per guest and the money will help support children and teens grieving from the loss of a close family member, the organization said in a press release.

Ele's Place has centers in Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor. Programs are offered for children three to 18 years old and their parents or guardians.