Rock the Rapids Names Grand Rapids Public Schools, YMCA As Beneficiary Charities | Arts & Culture

Rock The Rapids, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for various West Michigan charities, today announced that it will donate a portion of its proceeds to the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) music programs and to the YMCA’s Y-Scholarship program. Rock the Rapids showcases downtown Grand Rapids and pumps tens of thousands of dollars into West Michigan’s economy, and provides visitors an opportunity to shop, eat and enjoy some of the highest caliber entertainment offered this summer in Michigan.

The two charities were natural fits for Rock the Rapids presented by Miller Brewing, which runs from Aug. 20 through Aug. 25 in downtown Grand Rapids said Denny Baxter, Rock the Rapids founder.

“Rock the Rapids was founded to provide a charitable event that focuses on diversity, value and commitment to community,” Baxter said. “We are thrilled that we have the opportunity to help these vital community organizations and their programs.”

Both GRPS and YMCA officials said they were ecstatic to be named as beneficiaries of Rock the Rapids charitable efforts.

"We want to thank the event organizers for rocking it out for our GRPS students and music programs. Their generosity and support is both well timed and needed as this school year marks the beginning of our reinvestment and revitalization of our arts and music programs at GRPS. This is further evidence of the community alignment around the future growth and success of our students, schools and the district," said Teresa Weatherall Neal, Superintendent of Schools.

“We are excited to be a part of such a great community event,” explained Cyndy Vogt, YMCA Communications Director.  “Every kid deserves the opportunity to be a part of the Y, and this is one more way we can raise funds to help kids in our community.”

In addition to donating proceeds to GRPS and YMCA, Rock the Rapids will also host the Mixing Pot, which will run from noon until 3 p.m. Saturday, August 25, a free event that provides families the opportunity to experience free festival rides, food, dancing, kid’s activities and music from the various diverse cultures of West Michigan.

The musical lineup for the festival features:

• Monday, August 20 _ Miranda Lambert with special guest Pistol Annies
• Tuesday, August 21 _ Rockstar Energry Drink UPROAR Festival featuring Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind, Papa Roach and Adelitas Way
• Wednesday, August 22 _ Toby Keith with special guest Kip Moore
• Thursday, August 23 _ Carnival of Madness featuring Evanescence, Chevelle, Halestorm and New Medicine
• Friday, August 24 _ Boyz II Men and Bell Biv DeVoe
• Saturday, August 25 _ Big Boi of OutKast and B.o.B

Tickets, which are available at the Rock the Rapids box office at Peppino’s in downtown Grand Rapids or at rocktherapids.org, include various single-day, two-day and a weeklong pass for only $109.