Purpose, Pork & Positive Things Happening

This week on What’s Up Big Rapids, we catch up on everything happening around town, from trivia wins and dream gigs to new businesses finally opening their doors. Our guests are Liz Prescott and Alex Ashley from Pork For a Purpose, who share the incredible story behind one of Mecosta County's favorite community fundraisers. We talk about how it got started, the families it's helped over the years, and why this event continues to bring people together. Plus: Cottage Inn is officially open, Burlington is on the way, Raised on Radio is coming to Pocket Park, and somehow Jimothy the raccoon returns... with a friend. ⏱️ Timecodes 0:00 – Intro & welcome 0:53 – Chris' dream gig playing drums with Michael Olmen 🥁 2:15 – Thanks to Chad Coon for joining us last week 3:46 – Why joining the Chamber is worth considering 🤝 5:30 – Pat's championship trivia team 🏆 7:50 – Featured Creature: Freshwater Stingray 🐠 11:25 – Guest intro: Liz Prescott & Alex Ashley (Pork For a Purpose) 🐖 11:42 – How Pork For a Purpose got started 13:45 – How much has been raised? 14:20 – The families and causes it's helped ❤️ 15:25 – Favorite part of putting on the event 16:45 – What else happens at the pig roast? 17:42 – How to attend and get involved 18:26 – Pork For a Purpose is August 29 19:27 – Volunteer opportunities 20:39 – The moments that make it all worthwhile 21:39 – Liz shares her family's deeply personal connection to the event 23:55 – Returning home to Michigan 24:55 – Pork For a Purpose merchandise 26:47 – Other upcoming events 29:07 – Thanks to Liz and Alex 30:26 – Something new is coming to the east side of town 👀 31:17 – Planet Fitness temporary closure 31:55 – Burlington opening update 🛍️ 32:16 – Cottage Inn is officially open! 🍕 33:24 – Raised on Radio at Pocket Park 🎸 34:34 – Final Bandshell concert of the summer 🎶 34:55 – The Andrews at Pocket Park 35:10 – Tire Recycling Event ♻️ 35:22 – A packed August 15: Baker Auto Carnival, Stanwood Summerfest & Jurassic Park at the airport 🎡🦖 37:27 – Angels of Action Back-to-School Giveaway 🎒 38:18 – Business After Hours at The Banded Raccoon 39:39 – Big Dam Bike Ride 🚴 42:52 – Labor Day Festival preview 🎉 43:57 – Jimothy gets a friend named Johnmothy 🦝 44:41 – Nicolas Cage as John Madden? 🤔 45:50 – Soccer celebration... interrupted 😬 47:50 – Introducing Liz and Alex to Jimothy 😄 48:35 – Pumpkin Spice season is back ☕ 50:00 – Outro & goodbye #WhatsUpBigRapids #BigRapidsMI #SupportLocal #CommunityStrong #PorkForAPurpose