Griffins Players to Serve as Waiters During Jan. 18 Fundraiser for Special Olympics

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The Grand Rapids Griffins will team up with Max & Ermas Restaurants next Tuesday, Jan. 18 for their annual Get Fed By the Griffins benefit for Special Olympics.

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

Paul Ballantyne, Bryan Helmer, Eric Himelfarb, Todd Jackson, Niklas Kronwall, Derek Meech and Blake Sloan 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.

Fans will have the chance to meet their favorite Griffins 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 that evening will be offered to fans 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.

Reservations are not required and there is no admission fee. For more information, please call the Griffins office at (800) 2-HOCKEY ext. 3038.