Where do the tips go at Rock & Rails?

As Rock & Rails concertgoers enter Whistle Stop Park, they can't miss the greeters holding large tip jars. Each week of Rock & Rails, non-profit organizations that have been approved following an application process are invited to collect donations for that week. In return, they help with set up, take down, and operation of the event.

Half of the tip jar collections at the May 30 concert will go to Scouting America (the name changed from the Boy Scouts of America earlier this month). Donations will be used to purchase camping equipment and to subsidize camp fees for adult leaders and scouts in Niwot Troop 161.

The other half will go to the much-loved and well-used Niwot Children's Park next door to Whistle Stop Park. Funds will offset a portion of the $14,000 annual maintenance expenses for weekly cleaning, as well as mowing, mulch replacement, insurance, electricity, water and sewer costs.

Donations can be made by cash or check made out to Niwot Cultural Arts Association, P.O. Box 733, Niwot, CO 80544. Last year, the average tip jar was almost $2,000 per concert.

Our enjoyable Rock & Rail evenings are free to attend, so let's be as generous as we can by contributing to these worthy organizations.