Ric VanWeelden was a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities area, born in Grand Haven and later moving to Spring Lake in sixth grade. Ric and his wife, Kristi VanWeelden had 40 + years together.  They, along with their children Dylan and Marley (who passed away in late 2021) resided in Spring Lake and shared a beautiful, music-filled life together, before he passed away in late 2020. Ric attended Spring Lake High School, where he was active in both basketball and choir in high school and in church. Ric’s passion for music came alive through performance. In high school, he played in a band that rocked school dances.  Over the years, he continued to share the stage with local talents as well as musicians across the country.  He was a mentor to many, teaching countless students how to play instruments and encouraging others to find joy and confidence through music. He was a generous supporter of musicians of all ages and skill levels. Ric’s kindness, compassion, talent, and smile are missed by many every day.  His passion for music lives on through the Ric VanWeelden Music Fund. 

HISTORY 

In early 2014, Ric VanWeelden and his friend (and fellow musician) Dave Palmer birthed the idea of the Walk the Beat music Festival and made it happen.  Ric was passionate about supporting musicians, near and far.  His love of music was as beautiful as his smile, as big as his heart, and as impressive as his own musical talents.   Sadly, Ric passed away in 2020.  In early 2021, the Ric VanWeelden Music  Fund (Kristi VanWeelden, Pam VanWeelden Meekhof, Dave Palmer, and Cheryl Grove) was formed.  The goal was to raise funds to directly support Walk the Beat and its expansion to the White Lake area,  as well as funding other music-focused projects in Ric’s honor. 

THE RIC VANWEELDEN MUSIC FUND  

To have known Ric VanWeelden is to remember his passion and support of music of all kinds, his contagious smile, and his kind heart. When we think of Ric, we can't help but think of music - it was a gift he shared with all. While collecting thoughts and memories from those who love Ric, the obvious common thread that ties us all together is our love of music. The adjectives that were shared over and over to describe Ric were: Kind. Genuine. Compassionate. Talented. Generous. Humble.  These are just a few of the collections of notes that make up the beautiful melody that was Ric VanWeelden.  

The goal of The Ric VanWeelden Music Fund is to carry on his passion in a way that honors his memory. Music is a fundamental part of a community's culture. It connects people. Music unites us, bringing different cultures and beliefs to a common space, while promoting diversity and inclusion. With Ric’s name as inspiration, in a mission that would have touched his heart deeply, we have brought together a group of music lovers who are committed to supporting “music everywhere, for everyone”.   Many of us are of similar resonance, the desire to share something 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 VanWeelden.  

With the help of our community and beyond, we intend to continue Ric’s passion for music by the sponsorship of the Grand Haven Free Fridays Summer Concert Series, providing instruments & music scholarships for our youth, supporting our Michigan-Rooted musicians, and sponsoring other community music-based events, including the Walk The Beat music festivals. 

Since our inception in 2021, these are a few of the things that we have accomplished: 

➢ Secured grants and raised funds for the Grand Haven Free Fridays ($50K+)   

➢ Sponsored Grand Haven Free Fridays ($15,000+) 

➢ Donated 2 Instrument giveaways (36 total 2023 - 2025) for kids at every GHFF ($17K +) ➢ Sponsored Walk the Beat Music Festivals in 3 cities (25K+) 

➢ Donated Instruments to each WTB Music Festival (3K+) ➢ Hosted & sponsored several music-based community & VIP events. 

➢ Sponsored bands and floats for the Grand Haven Coast Guard Parade 23/24 

➢ Donated instruments and funds to other nonprofit organizations to help them raise funds for their missions.  

➢ Sponsored the Grand Haven High School Drama Program  

➢ Sponsored Students via music scholarships and instrument donations. 

➢ Donated ukuleles to the Louttit Library for a Youth Ukulele program.

 ● Follow us on Facebook at the Ric VanWeelden Music Fund page.

 ● Email us at info@ricvmusicfund.org  to be added to our mail list. 

● Visit our website at: ricvmusicfund.org 

To Donate:  

● Send Check to: Ric VanWeelden Music Fund 1447 Washington Ave. Grand Haven, MI 49417 ● Donate online at: givebutter.com/RVWMF ● Reach out to Pam VanWeelden-Meekhof at: 616.795.3403