Tag Archives: event

‘Best Dog-Gone Party in Town’ returns June 6

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment,

WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Pet lovers and their four-legged friends are invited to party with a purpose at BISSELL Pet Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event to reduce the number of pets in shelters and rescues nationwide through its lifesaving programs. BISSELL Blocktail Party® takes place on Tuesday, June 6, from 6-9 p.m. at the East Grand Rapids High School Track.

This year’s party, featuring a Western theme, promises to be a rip-roaring good time, featuring the return of live grilling with Celebrity Chef Paul Wahlberg of Wahlburgers. Partygoers should come hungry to enjoy tasty dishes from Terra, Mudpenny, Donkey Taqueria and other local restaurants. In addition, Tito’s Handmade Vodka will serve a new barkworthy cocktail for those 21 years or older.

Other party favorites: Adoptable dogs from area shelters; the highly anticipated silent auction with one-of-a-kind items including trips, art, pet-themed packages, and much more; spectacular beats by DJ AB; caricatures of furry friends by popular ArtPrize winner Chris LaPorte; toast-worthy wine pull; specially created Blocktail IPA (I Prefer Adoption) beer; and everyone’s favorite doggie bag stuffed with goodies for humans and pets.

“We are so excited for this year’s BISSELL Blocktail Party and hope the community will turn out on June 6 to celebrate and save pets’ lives,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Blocktail is BISSELL Pet Foundation’s primary fundraising event, providing critical support to give homeless pets a second chance. The generosity of every sponsor and guest means we can reach more pets in more communities.”

100% of proceeds from BISSELL Blocktail Party will benefit pets in need through BISSELL Pet Foundation’s pet adoption, transport, spay/neuter, vaccination, microchipping, and crisis and disaster response programs.

Tickets to BISSELL Blocktail Party are available online for $100 per person and $50 for students with a valid student ID. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the event for $125 each, which includes food and one drink ticket. Sponsors at $1,500 and above will receive access to Blocktail and an invitation to the BISSELL Sponsor Party on June 5, featuring a private performance by “Like A Cowboy” and “How Country Feels” hit song maker Randy Houser. Visit www.bissellblocktailparty.com for more details and to purchase tickets or sponsor. 

Local ALS Foundation hosts third annual PedALS event

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,
PedALS is Sept. 25 and 25. (Supplied)

By Nathan Slauer
Community Contributor

The nonprofit Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) care provider, the Susan Mast ALS Foundation, invites West Michigan residents to sign up for their “PedALS” bike ride and walk on Sept.25-26. Participants can register and pledge online at https://pedalsforals.com.

PedALS enables Susan Mast to provide critical support services and wheelchairs to nearly 100 ALS families across West Michigan. In 2020, the foundation offered 3,058 respite hours, $11,000 in meals, and 500 hours delivering medical equipment.

Susan Mast ALS Foundation Executive Director Julie Snelling believes that participation in the PedALS event will allow the organization to further extend its reach in the community.

“Our mission is to walk alongside families with loved ones experiencing ALS,” Snelling said. “PedALS gives us the chance to pay tribute to individuals with ALS, honor those who have meant so much to us, and make new memories in a fun, family-friendly environment.”

Cyclists will enjoy participating in one of a variety of rides. Options include a 25- or 50-mile road ride, 25-mile gravel ride, a 10-20 mountain ride, or a 10-mile fun ride. Runners and walkers can sign up for a 5K or 1-mile walk.

The third annual event, sponsored by generous local businesses, will feature live music from the Freddy Jones Band. Attendees can choose to attend the entire event or show up only for the concert afterparty.

 

Tribute signs honoring loved ones with ALS are available for a $100 purchase.

Participants are encouraged to sign up as a PedALS Pledger on the PedALS website. Pledgers commit to bringing in a specific donation amount and recruit a team to raise the funds needed.

Dr. Phil VanderLugt, an optometrist and PedALS committee member, will host the first day of the event at his home. Known affectionately as “Mr. PedALS,” VanderLugt said he is excited to celebrate the event’s best year yet.

For more information or to register or donate online, please visit https://pedalsforals.com.

The Grand Rapids-based Susan Mast ALS Foundation is named after Susan Mast who was the executive director of Faith Hospice. Mast passed away in 2014 from ALS.

Tickets now available for KDL’s Literary Libations

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Grand Rapids author Christopher Cosmos is just one of the authors who will be at the KDL’s Literary Libations event on Sept. 16.

The Kent District Library has partnered with the Meijer Frederik Gardens & Sculpture to host the Literary Libations Gala on Sept. 16.

The event includes cocktails, dinner, and personal reflections for four best selling authors.

Rebecca Deng, author of the memoir “What They Meant for Evil: How a Lost Girl of Sudan Found Healing, Peace, and Purpose in the Midst of Suffering.”

Peter Heller, the best-selling author of “The River” whose most recent book is “The Guide.”

Catherine Coulter, an author best known for her romantic suspense thrillers and historical romances. Her next book “Vortex: An FBI Thriller” is expected in August.

Christopher Cosmos, a Grand Rapids author who graduated from the University of Michigan. His debut novel is “Once We Were Here,” a story about the Greek Resistance in World War II.

Literary Libations is from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline NE. This year’s program’s fundraising goal is to support the KDL youth poetry programs.

 

For tickets and more information, click here. 

Senator Stabenow will join ‘All Hands on Deck’ event in Grand Haven on July 3

Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events, , ,
By Nirmeen Fahmy
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Great Lakes Task Force, will join community members at the Grand Haven State Park on MONDAY, July 3 for the ‘All Hands on Deck’ Great Lakes event. This event is one of 64 local events happening in communities and at public beaches in six different states to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our Great Lakes and funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

 

Whether on a beach, a boardwalk, a marine channel, or any other location, all locations for All Hands On Deck represent common ground that extends beyond political and geographical boundaries. In every area, the Great Lakes are essential to the environment, economy, and everyone’s way of life. The event is a way to come together in a unique, unified expression of concern on behalf of a precious resource that needs continuing attention and support — funding, regulations, and research — to sustain long-term vitality.

 
All Hands on Deck was started by Kimberly Simon of Charlevoix in March, 2017 to raise awareness and bring people together in a nonpartisan way to advocate for our Great Lakes. For more information, visit https://allhandsondeckgreatlakes.org/.
  • When:     Monday, July 3rd at 10:00 AM
  • Where:    Grand Haven State Park, 1001 S. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven
  • Who:        U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow