Backpack Buddies Program

Proceeds for the car show benefit the local BackPack Buddies Program. This program provides children from food- insecure homes that attend school at Cartersville City or Bartow County schools with weekend meals during the school year. Local corporations, civic groups, churches and individuals help collect and pack bags with kid-friendly non-perishable food. The children receive a backpack containing nutritious, self-serve food that will sustain them when school meals are not available. The children are selected by school principals, guidance counselors, social workers and various after school programs who identify the “at-risk” child. As of 2021, the program is currently serving 312 students in the four city schools and 800 in the county schools.

With the help of our attendees generous support, as of our 4th show on 5/21/2022 Ridz by the River has donated $25,000 cumulatively to this amazing program! THANK YOU for helping us help the children of our community!

For additional information on this program, please visit Cartersville City Schools or Bartow County Schools respective websites.

2nd show: 5/15/2021: Ridz donated to Backpack Buddies

4th show: 5/21/2022: $15k donated to Backpack Buddies. In addition, we were also able to donate an easy-up tent and custom donation buckets with the Backpack Buddies logo to be used at future Ridz shows.