GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Griffins alumni, coaches, fans and staff will unite at Egypt Valley Country Club on Monday, Aug. 27 for the 18th annual Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic, presented by Meijer and Dean Foods.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that the event will be held at the renowned, 36-hole course in Ada, Mich. Following the 10 a.m. shotgun start, golfers will be treated to 18 holes of golf – half of the field on the Ridge course and half on the Valley course – as well as on-course food and refreshments provided by Leo’s Restaurant, Peppino’s Pizza and Buffalo Wild Wings. Afterward, golfers will gather in the clubhouse for dinner and a high-end raffle and auction.

Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill, assistant coach Jim Paek and forward Luke Glendening are among the celebrities scheduled to participate, along with NHL veteran and Kentwood native Mike Knuble.

“The golf outing has always been our largest event and fundraiser,” said Bob Kaser, the foundation’s president who also serves as the Griffins’ vice president of community relations and broadcasting. “We’re privileged to have the opportunity to put our foundation front and center in the minds of well over 100 of West Michigan’s most influential people. The result of this has been a consistent and significant number of companies and individuals who continue to get behind our kids and families.”

This year’s raffle will give attendees a chance to win dozens of prizes, including electronics such as 42” TVs, iPod touches, DVD players, GPS systems and cameras, in addition to golf balls, clubs and bags, one year’s supply of ice cream, round-trip airline and boat/ferry tickets, family activities packages and Griffins and Detroit Red Wings memorabilia, such as an autographed Red Wings game helmet.

Last year, the golf classic – one of the largest charitable events in West Michigan – raised over $70,000 for the Griffins Youth Foundation and its programs, totaling well in excess of one million dollars for its 17-year history. The support has enabled nearly 300 kids annually, many of whom are underprivileged or underserved, to participate in the foundations’ programs which, starting next season, will include a first-ever high school division, all at no cost.

“It starts with Dan and Pam DeVos,” said Kaser, chairperson for the golf classic. “People want to be part of events that Dan and Pam support and attend. It’s the appeal of a more intimate connection to the Griffins, an opportunity to get behind a great cause and to play on one of West Michigan’s premier golf courses. I might be a bit biased, but I’ve played in enough golf outings and can safely say it’s one of the best days of golf you’ll experience.”

Registration is now open for individual golfers ($225) and foursomes ($800) along with other sponsorship opportunities. A registration form can be found here. For more information, please visit griffinshockey.com or call (616) 774-4585 ext. 3027.

Established in 1995, the Griffins Youth Foundation promotes academic excellence, community involvement and healthy lifestyles among the youth of West Michigan, enhancing their live through hockey and ice-related sports. For more information about the Foundation, please visit griffinskids.org.