News Summary
Over 650 community members in Grand Rapids gathered to participate in a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest cake walk, raising $20,000 for Special Olympics Michigan. The event included various activities, local food vendors, and emphasized mental health awareness, coinciding with Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Future events are planned to continue promoting community inclusion and support.
Grand Rapids – Over 650 community members gathered at the Special Olympics Michigan campus to participate in an event aimed at breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest cake walk. The event, which took place at the Consumers Credit Union Track at the Unified Sports and Inclusion Center, involved 659 participants, all enthusiastic about raising awareness for mental health and inclusion.
The celebration not only sought to set a new world record but also succeeded in raising $20,000 for Special Olympics Michigan and the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan’s be nice. program. This fundraising effort will support year-round sports training for individuals with intellectual disabilities and initiatives geared towards educating the community about mental health.
Lynne Jarman-Johnson, chief marketing officer of Consumers Credit Union, emphasized the positive impact of the event on the local community. The vibrant atmosphere featured numerous attractions, including food trucks, games, and live entertainment, contributing to a fun-filled day for participants of all ages.
Local businesses supported the event by providing treats and refreshments. Attendees enjoyed coffee from Bearclaw Coffee Co. and delicious cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Children were entertained through a variety of activities such as yard games, inflatables, face painting, and opportunities to meet various characters. A unique Touch-a-Truck experience was offered, featuring vehicles from the Gaines Township Fire Department for children to explore.
As September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the event was strategically scheduled to highlight the importance of mental health during this critical time. The community-oriented gathering aimed to foster conversations surrounding mental well-being and inclusion, driving forward a message of support and understanding.
Looking ahead, the next Cake Walk event is scheduled for September 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Special Olympics Michigan facility. Organizers encourage participants to register early, and those who do will receive a coupon for a free Bundtlet cake as an incentive. Registration will be key, as participants will help attempt to break the world record by achieving a goal of at least 700 attendees.
Local sponsors and partners played an instrumental role in making this event a reality, showing the strength of community collaboration. The organizers, including Consumers Credit Union and Nothing Bundt Cakes, aim to create both a fun and impactful experience for the participants, highlighting both the joy of community connection and the significance of mental health awareness.
Christy Buck, CEO of be nice., noted the importance of raising mental health awareness, particularly during transitional periods such as the back-to-school season. This initiative aims to encourage a culture of openness and dialogue about mental wellness among community members.
The success of the recent cake walk serves as a testament to the power of community engagement in addressing important social issues while having fun. As the next event approaches, the focus continues to remain on inclusivity and support for those with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges.
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Additional Resources
- WOOD TV: Charity Event Aims to Break Cake Walk World Record
- Wikipedia: Guinness World Records
- FOX 17: Morning Buzz September 12, 2025
- Google Search: cake walk fundraiser
- MLive: West Michigan Fundraiser Looks to Break Record for World’s Largest Cake Walk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fundraising
- WZZM 13: Special Olympics Michigan World’s Largest Cake Walk
- Google News: Special Olympics Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
