Whether it's protecting little ones' noggins, hitting the ice (and the links) for kids, or supporting the fight against heart disease, the Griffins are involved in an assortment of programs and events that benefit our community.

The presence of the Griffins within the Grand Rapids community reaches out and affects many lives in West Michigan. Players often take time on their days off to volunteer in the community, and Griff can be seen at local events throughout the year. By partnering with other organizations and companies from the area, the Griffins help create and maintain a better community for all of us.

Grand Rapids Heart Walk

On Saturday, Oct. 14, while Griffins players prepare for that night’s home opener against Omaha, the team’s lovable mascot Griff will stroll the streets of downtown during the American Heart Association’s 2006 Grand Rapids Heart Walk.

The two-mile walk, which begins at Van Andel Arena at 8:30 a.m., will raise funds for the association’s research and educational efforts. Griffins fans are being asked to show their support by making a donation toward Griff’s participation in the event, with a goal of raising $10,000. Have a heart and show your support by making your pledge here.

Griff’s participation in the 2006 Heart Walk is an extension of the “Hockey for the Heart” partnership between the Griffins and the American Heart Association. Through the program, which supports the association’s mission of reducing disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke, Huntington Bank, Colburn Hundley Inc. and Fox Motors will jointly donate $100 to the association for every goal the Griffins score at home during the 2006-07 season.

Going Once, Going Twice…

In August, the Griffins launched their new online auction site, griffinshockey.com/auctions. A variety of merchandise, from game-worn equipment and autographed memorabilia to tickets and unique experiences, will be auctioned to the public throughout the 2006-07 season, with the majority of auctions benefiting the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation.

Auctions for an autographed Alex Ovechkin stick and Manny Legace photo have already been completed. Starting in late September, an opportunity to have your kids go trick-or-treating with Griff on Halloween – or to have Griff pass out candy at your house - will go on the block.

Golfing for the Youth

The 12th Annual Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic, held Aug. 30 at Railside Golf Club, was another great success. Raising in excess of $90,000 for the foundation, the sold-out event featured 18 holes followed by a dinner and auctions. Ken Morrow of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, former Griffin and current Florida Panthers defenseman Joel Kwiatkowski, and Red Wings radio voice Ken Kal were among the celebrity participants.


Coaching the Kids

Grand Rapids’ youth hockey players took great interest once again in the Griffins’ Summer Hockey Camp, as 76 kids, ranging in age from 6-16, improved their skills under the supervision of the pros. Griffins assistant coach Jim Paek and Joel Kwiatkowski of the Florida Panthers served as the main instructors, while NHL star Mike Knuble was in town during the second week to lend his knowledge. With the support of sponsors Bagel Beanery, Centennial Securities, Comcast, Fuel Systems and Grand Craft, 12 kids from the Griffins Youth Foundation were able to attend the camp for free.

Gracious Gesture

Thanks to the generous donations of Griffins supporters Tim Masek and Grand Craft, along with Keith Carpentier of Fuel Systems, several thousand underprivileged adults and children will be able to enjoy Griffins action during the upcoming 2006-07 season. Mr. Masek and Mr. Carpentier each support many of the Griffins community programs and purchase large numbers of tickets for distribution to non-profit organizations.

Growing with the Griffins

This youth hockey initiative provides the opportunity for local youth teams to have a Griffins player visit their practices. In addition to helping the coaches with drills and encouraging the kids, players hand out t-shirts, sign autographs and stress the importance of sportsmanship. At the conclusion of the hockey season, money raised through sponsorship of the program is divided and distributed to the area’s nine youth hockey organizations, as well as the Griffins Youth Foundation.

Put A Lid On It

Throughout the summer, hundreds of Griffins ticket vouchers have been distributed by the Griffins to kids who’ve made pledges to always wear their helmets when participating in outdoor activities. In the coming weeks, one of those kids will be chosen to win a new bike!

The program, presented by DeVos Children’s Hospital, is concluding its third year, with the support of Safe Kids, local schools, libraries, police departments and businesses. To make your pledge, click on the "Put a Lid on It" icon under the Community drop down menu.