Rockford Relay For Life raised $318,000 for the American Cancer Society, making it one of the most successful fundraisers in the state.

Other West Michigan communities are doing their part.  During the Wyoming-Grandville Relay For Life on May 10, participants raised at least $54,857.  That same day, participants in the Grand Haven-Spring Lake Relay For Life collected at least $45,984 for the American Cancer Society.  Runners and walkers in East Grand Rapids raised at least $56,531 during their Relay For Life May 17.  On May 18, the Relay For Life of White Lake generated at least $43,211 for the American Cancer Society, while Relay For Life of Comstock Park raised at least $42,815.

And don’t count local colleges out.  In April, Grand Valley State University raised at least $85,263 during its Relay For Life, Western Michigan University collected at least $32,083 and Aquinas College raised $5,670.

Plenty more communities are planning Rel

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Ten area breweries are teaming up to create a new beer, as Grand Rapids defends its title of Beer City USA.

The new rye IPA, called #55555513, will be available on tap starting Sunday, May 5.  The beer received its creative name because it contains 5.5% alcohol, 55 International Bitterness Units (IBU), and is being released on 5/5/13.   

Participating breweries include:

GRANDVILLE, Mich.—Community members are encouraged to help victims of the recent flooding clean up on Saturday, April 27.

The “Community Clean Up” will take place in two shifts, starting at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Volunteers can report to the Grandville-Jenison Chamber Office, located at 2939 Wilson Ave., Suite 106 in Grandville.  Volunteers and home owners will be asked to sign a waiver.

For more information about the effort, or to sign someone up for help, visit the Grandville Jenison Chamber’s website, or contact Sandy Leblanc at sandy@grandjen.com or by phone, at (616) 531-8890.