Ric VanWeelden Music Fund

Ric VanWeelden Music Fund To have known him, is to remember his passion and support of music of all kinds, his contagious smile and his kind heart. Genuine. Compassionate. Talented. Humble.

"In honor of Ric VanWeelden and his passion for music, the mission of the Ric VanWeelden Music Fund is to empower our youth, support Michigan-rooted artists, and uplift our community through the transformative power of music.” Ric Van Weelden Music Fund

While collecting thoughts and memories from those who love Ric Van Weelden, the obvious common thread that ties us all together is our love of mu

sic. The adjectives that were shared over and over to describe Ric were:
Kind. Generous. These are just a few of the collection of notes that make up the beautiful melody that was Ric. It is Walk The Beat's goal to carry on Ric’s passion in a way that honors his memory in an endeavor that we KNOW would mean the world to him. In Ric’s honor, we are going to form an elite group of music lovers in Ric’s name to spearhead the expansion of the Walk the Beat Festival and help supply scholarships to an additional eight cities in Michigan. We are all of similar resonance, the desire to share the one thing that can unite us - music.. So let’s compose this together, each of us as a note, a verse or a chorus in a song that honors our friend Ric.

Family and friendsHere is the video release. Music brings us together just like Ric would have loved. Thank you to Dylan...
04/20/2026

Family and friends

Here is the video release. Music brings us together just like Ric would have loved.

Thank you to Dylan and Elijah who worked their magic!

LOVE LOVE LOVE - A film by the Flying V's - Ric VanWeelden Music Fund 2026

Amen!
04/17/2026

Amen!

Video release party today!
04/12/2026

Video release party today!

04/08/2026

Family and friends,

Please join us this Sunday, April 12, from 2–5 PM at Temple Lounge as we continue raising funds to support music in our community, uplift Michigan artists, and provide instruments and opportunities for kids.

Ric’s son, Dylan VanWeelden, along with Elijah Russ, has poured so much time and heart into creating this video. After watching the final edit, I can honestly say it moved me to tears. Seeing Ric’s Beatles guitar and so many of our Flying V’s come together… my heart is truly full.

This Sunday will also be our very first acoustic jam—so bring an instrument if you’d like and be part of something special.

It would mean the world to me to see you there. And if you’re unable to attend, you can still support us by donating through our website.

Much love,
Pam

One of Ric’s best friends, Mark, has passed away, and he will be deeply missed.I like to imagine him reunited with Ric n...
12/29/2025

One of Ric’s best friends, Mark, has passed away, and he will be deeply missed.
I like to imagine him reunited with Ric now—jamming together once again.

To his family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

/everloved.com/life-of/mark-jones-west-olive-mi/

Take part in remembering Mark Jones. Read his obituary, share your own memories, and learn about any funeral details on Ever Loved.

12/15/2025

Flying V’s

You are all amazing!

Thank you so much for everyone who showed up yesterday. To those that have messaged Cheryl, sent cards and music videos Thank you! Your presence, generosity, and your love mean more than words can say.
I want to start by thanking every single person who has donated, shared the fundraiser, or offered support in any way. Whether you contributed financially, donated an auction item, bought a raffle ticket, or simply spread the word — please know that you are part of the reason this room is filled with so much hope today.
To Debra, Larry, Carley, Ethan, Emma, Zach, Jillian and the rest of Cheryl’s family, Elijah, Kass, Jon and Darbee, Pam B and everyone who helped set up this event — thank you, This kind of day doesn’t happen without an army of caring hearts.
And to our musicians — thank you. You showed up with your talent, your time, and your hearts wide open. Music has always been a healing force in this community, and today you’ve lifted us even higher. Cheryl’s world has always been filled with music, and having you here fills this day with meaning.
Now… Cheryl.
I want to speak directly to you for a moment.
You are not alone in this fight.
You may feel like you are carrying the weight of the world — because cancer does that. It is isolating, frightening, and exhausting. But look around this room. Every single person here is fighting with you. Standing beside you. Holding you up when you feel tired. Loving you through every step.
You have your family — Carley, Ethan, Emma, Zach and Jillian. Your mom, dad, brothers and their families. But you also have this incredible family made of friends, musicians, neighbors, and a community that adores you. We are all here because you have spent your life lifting others, encouraging others, and showing up for people when they needed it most.
And now… it is our turn.
Our turn to show up for you.
Our turn to love you the way you have loved us.
Our turn to stand with you as you fight and beat this cancer.
Cheryl, we believe in you.
We believe in your strength, We believe in your spirit, and We believe in your ability to overcome this.
You are surrounded by people who will not let you walk this journey alone.
Thank you all again for being here today, for giving from your hearts, and for being part of this community that proves — once again — that love is stronger than anything we face.
Together, we fight.
Together, we lift. And
Together, we support you every step of the way.

Much love my friend.

This Sunday 1 to 6 Temple Lounge. Fundraiser for Cheryl!  5 hours of great music!
12/12/2025

This Sunday 1 to 6 Temple Lounge. Fundraiser for Cheryl! 5 hours of great music!

Celebrating Cheryl - The Power of Community through Music My best friend,… Pam Meekhof needs your support for Help Cheryl Grove Through Her Cancer Journey

Today, my heart is filled with gratitude as we reach a crucial milestone in assisting Cheryl. We appreciate all the dona...
12/05/2025

Today, my heart is filled with gratitude as we reach a crucial milestone in assisting Cheryl. We appreciate all the donations received so far.

Celebrating Cheryl - The Power of Community through Music My best friend,… Pam Meekhof needs your support for Help Cheryl Grove Through Her Cancer Journey

11/30/2025

Hi everyone! Just a quick reminder — we’re 14 days away from Cheryl’s Fundraiser!
Join us Sunday, Dec 14th from 1–6 PM at Temple Lounge for an afternoon packed with amazing musicians, shared memories, and community support. There will be a cash bar plus appetizers and desserts.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many of you, over $4,000 has already been raised. This support has truly eased some of Cheryl’s financial burden during a very difficult time, and it has given her and her family a sense of relief and gratitude that words can hardly capture. Your kindness is making a real difference.

Hope to see you there as we come together for Cheryl. 💚🎶

Spreading love and community for Cheryl.  Reach out to me if you have any questions.
11/14/2025

Spreading love and community for Cheryl. Reach out to me if you have any questions.

Address

1447 Washington Avenue
Grand Haven, MI
49414

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