WHAT: The 15th Annual Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic. The event is the primary fundraiser for the foundation, whose mission is to promote academic excellence, community involvement and healthy lifestyles among the youth of West Michigan, enhancing their lives through hockey and ice-related sports.

The 2009 golf classic is expected to raise upwards of $70,000 for the foundation, again making it one of the largest charitable events in West Michigan.

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 1. Shotgun start at 10 a.m. Dinner, silent auction and live auction at approximately 3 p.m.

Media availability will be between 9:30-9:50 a.m. and after 3 p.m.

WHERE: Egypt Valley Country Club, 7333 Knapp St., Ada

WHO: More than 150 golfers will participate, including local hockey personalities such as:

• Griffins general manager Bob McNamara, head coach Curt Fraser and assistant coach Jim Paek;
• Current Griffins players Jamie Tardif and Jakub Kindl;
• Current Colorado Avalanche defenseman and former Griffin Kyle Quincey.

AUCTION: Dozens of unique items, ranging from sports memorabilia to goods and services from area merchants, will be available through both a silent and live auction during dinner. Items include:

• Chris Chelios autographed, game-worn Griffins jersey;
• Steve Yzerman autographed Red Wings jersey;
• Football autographed by Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson and punter Nick Harris;
• Baseball autographed by Detroit Tigers second baseman Placido Polanco;
• Table for eight at the West Michigan Sports Commission Luncheon on Sept. 23 at the JW Marriott, featuring Red Wings general manager Ken Holland as the guest speaker;
• A variety of memorabilia and equipment autographed by current and former NHL players Justin Abdelkader, Pavel Datsyuk, Valtteri Filppula, Jiri Hudler, Ville Leino, Darren McCarty, Rick Nash and Chris Osgood.