GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins and Easterseals Michigan are partnering for the eighth annual Hockey, Hops and Hope, a wine and craft beer tasting fundraiser to be held on Tuesday, March 12 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Fox Hyundai Kia Showroom (4141 28th St SE).

Griffins players and coaches will serve over 100 varieties of wine and craft beer samples to guests at the event, which will feature live music, a strolling dinner and a silent auction. Items up for bid include a Tyler Bertuzzi signed puck and photo; a Willie Horton signed baseball; airline tickets; Detroit Pistons tickets; Griffins packages; vacation packages; wine and beer tours; Amway product baskets; gift cards and more.

“Hockey, Hops and Hope has become a staple of our community outreach,” Griffins vice president of community relations and broadcasting Bob Kaser said. “It’s a unique event and an awful lot of fun for all involved, especially our players and coaches. We take great pride in working closely with our passionate friends at Easterseals, who inspire us in our desire to assist in raising money and awareness for this great cause.”

Flagstar Bank returns as the presenting sponsor of the event along with Amway as the premier sponsor. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for $50 per person (or $80 for two) at eastersealsmichigan.com or by phone at (616) 942-2081. All proceeds from the event will benefit Easterseals Michigan programs and services right here in West Michigan.

"We value our longstanding partnership with the Grand Rapids Griffins," Easterseals Michigan president and CEO Brent Wirth said. "Their support is tremendously important to the children and families whose lives benefit from the exceptional services they receive here at Easterseals."

About Easterseals Michigan
For 100 years, Easterseals Michigan has been the indispensable resource helping to define and change the way people live with, and view, disability. As a leader in addressing the disabilities of the 21st century that affect 1 in 4 individuals and their families, Easterseals Michigan empowers more than 12,000 people annually to live more independent lives.

Photo by Sam Iannamico/Griffins