Community

Charitable Goals

Local companies team with Griffins players to help raise money for various charities. Every time the player scores a goal or makes a save, the company makes a donation toward a mutually agreed upon charity.

Put a Lid On It!

The "Put a Lid On It!" program promotes bike helmet safety to elementary and middle school children throughout West Michigan, aiming to reduce the occurrence and severity of head injuries.

Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic

The annual Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic at American Dunes Golf Club is the largest fundraiser for the Griffins Youth Foundation.

Great Skate Winterfest

The Great Skate Winterfest presented by the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation and Meijer celebrated its 20th edition on Jan. 18-19, 2025. Thanks to all the fans who braved the cold temps to come out and skate with us!

This beloved fundraiser for the Griffins Youth Foundation is centered around our 24-hour ice skating marathon held at the outdoor Rosa Parks Circle ice rink in downtown Grand Rapids, with every Griffins player and coach skating for at least one hour around the clock with fans.

Tip-A-Griffin

Griffins players and coaches visit local restaurants each season to serve food and wait tables, with tips and proceeds benefiting the Griffins Youth Foundation. Peppino's hosts the event at four locations throughout West Michigan: Downtown Grand Rapids, Allendale, Jenison and Kentwood.

Over its 16 editions, Tip-A-Griffin has raised more than $126,000 for various local charities.

Griffins Youth Hockey Camps

The Griffins Youth Hockey Camps, now held in both Grand Rapids and Holland, feature current and former Griffins players teaming up to share their experiences on and off the ice.

Better Halves

Griffins players aren't the only ones who make West Michigan a better place to live, as their wives and girlfriends team up to assist the organization in its community endeavors.

Griffins Winter Golf Classic

The Grand Rapids Griffins’ inaugural Winter Golf Classic presented by Gimme’s Par & Grill took place on Monday, Feb. 10 from 6-9 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the Griffins Youth Foundation and First Tee – West Michigan. 

Griffins & Sled Wings Game

In one of the most unique events anywhere involving a professional sports team, the Griffins each season play a friendly but spirited game of sled hockey with and against the Grand Rapids Sled Wings, a talented team of children and young adults with physical disabilities that is sponsored by the Griffins Youth Foundation in partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.

Hockey, Hops & Hope

Griffins players and coaches serve craft beer and wine samples to more than 150 guests, who also enjoy live music, food, and a silent auction that benefits Easterseals MORC. 

Growing With The Griffins

Supporting Grand Rapids-area youth hockey programs and the Griffins Youth Foundation, Griffins players visit youth hockey practices to hand out t-shirts and help teach the fundamentals of hockey.

Griffins Little Free Libraries

Find our hockey-themed, "take a book, share a book" libraries inside Griff's IceHouse at Belknap Park in Grand Rapids, Griff's IceHouse West in Holland, and Griff's Georgetown.

Griff's Reading Goals

Twice each season, the Griffins reward young readers through the Griff's Reading Goals program, cooperating with Kent ISD and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District.

Summer Reading Rewards

Partnerships between the Griffins and more than 50 branches of the Grand Rapids Public Library, Kent District Library, and Lakeland Library Cooperative rewards kids who complete their local summer reading program.

Player / Alumni Ticket Donations

Several Griffins players and alumni purchase Griffins season tickets that are donated to local charities to help provide the children and families they serve with an enjoyable night out.

Teddy Bear Toss

The Teddy Bear Toss returns for its 24th season in 2024. All teddy bears and stuffed animals thrown onto the ice by fans were donated to the Billy Bear Hug Foundation and other community groups in the Grand Rapids area.

Griffins Youth Foundation

Established in 1995 by Dan and Pamella DeVos, the Griffins Youth Foundation promotes academic excellence, community involvement, and healthy lifestyles among the youth of West Michigan, enhancing their lives through hockey and ice-related sports.

For over two decades, we have eliminated the high financial and logistical barriers preventing children from playing hockey. Our 350 boys and girls – many of whom are underprivileged, at-risk, underserved, or have other special needs – also receive life lessons that help them succeed far from the ice.

Griffins Mascot Appearances

You know and love him - Griff, the Griffins' mascot, is available to entertain at your upcoming event!

Donation Requests

The Grand Rapids Griffins offer donations to local charities and events to assist in the building of the West Michigan community. Donations like game tickets and autographed memorabilia are often given to local charities and events.

50/50 Raffle

Experience the thrill of the Griffins 50/50 Jackpot raffle during every game at Van Andel Arena. Not only do you get a chance to win big, but every ticket purchase directly supports the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation and its myriad of programs. Join us in making a difference while enjoying the excitement of Griffins hockey!

Griffs IceHouse at Belknap Park

In Belknap, Grand Rapids, Griff's IceHouse is a community-owned facility managed by the team behind the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. It's also the official training arena for the Griffins at 30 Coldbrook Street.

Griff's IceHouse West

Located at 4444 Holland Avenue in Holland, Michigan, Griff's IceHouse West is backed by the owners of the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. This facility boasts two ice rinks for both public and private events, offers Learn to Skate and Learn to Play classes, drop-in hockey, and more. Additionally, Griff's West is the proud home to Hope College hockey.

Griff's Georgetown

Griff's Georgetown is managed by the team behind the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. This venue features two ice rinks for public and private events, alongside various programs and leagues. Moreover, Griff's Georgetown proudly hosts hockey teams from Grand Valley State University, Hudsonville High School, Jenison High School, Grandville High School, and the Grand Valley Amateur Hockey Association.