It's not often that you have a chance to give orders - literally - to guys who bleed for a living. Tonight's "Get Fed by the Griffins" event at Max & Erma's headlines a busy month for the team and its community programs.


Be sure to visit Max & Erma’s Restaurant tonight (Jan. 18) for their annual “Get Fed By the Griffins” benefit for Special Olympics.

Thirteen Griffins players will serve as celebrity waiters and bartenders from 6-8 p.m. during this special event, which will be held at the Max & Erma’s locations in Grandville (3940 Rivertown Pkwy. SW) and Kentwood (Woodland Mall, 3191 28th St. SE).

Paul Ballantyne, Bryan Helmer, Eric Himelfarb, Niklas Kronwall, Derek Meech and Nathan Robinson will staff the Rivertown store, while Ryan Barnes, Darryl Bootland, Matt Ellis, Danny Groulx, Ernie Hartlieb, Joey MacDonald and Peter Vandermeer will man the Woodland Mall establishment. (Players and assigned locations are subject to change.)

You'll have the chance to meet your favorite players, win prizes, and bid on Griffins and other hockey memorabilia during a silent auction. In addition, special edition T-shirts worn by the Griffins players during the evening will be offered through a live auction. All proceeds from the night, including tips collected by the players, will be donated to Special Olympics of Kent and Barry counties.

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During the remainder of the Griffins' season, you can help support Guiding Light Mission and get a unique souvenir in the process through the team's "Pucks for Plates" program. Limited edition pucks, each autographed by a Griffins player, are available for just $5 at a table on the Van Andel Arena concourse. All proceeds will benefit Guiding Light Mission to provide meals for the less fortunate.

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Through the Griffins' "Become a Hero" program, you can support a variety of local and national charities by making pledges towards individual Griffins' performances on the ice. Just choose your favorite player, make a pledge towards each goal, assist, point, win or save that he accumulates during the 2004-05 regular season, then choose to designate that pledge for either the player's chosen charity or the Griffins Youth Foundation. You'll be invoiced by the designated charity for your tax-deductible pledge at the conclusion of the season.

To date, Become a Hero commitments total more than $1,100! To make your pledge or learn more about the program, click here.

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Big props to Griffins equipment manager Brad Thompson for the continued generosity of his "Brad's Bunch" initiative. Thanks to Brad's donation, 125 underprivileged kids will get to enjoy a Griffins game at no cost this season.

To the man who takes care of the Griffins players, thanks for helping take care of the little ones in our community as well.