October 29, 2014

by Alan Cross – griffinshockey.com
____________________________

Within the very busy world of hockey, sometimes it’s good to pause for paws.

Since 2008, the Grand Rapids Griffins have partnered with Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, the largest no-kill dog sanctuary in the Midwest, for their annual Pups and Pucks Fall Walkathon.

Set on a few acres in the countryside of Lake Odessa, Mich., Mackenzie’s finds safe homes for abused, abandoned and neglected dogs. Mackenzie’s, which was founded in 1999, also pledges to assist in public education for the betterment of the local animal community, works to stop the cycle of unwanted litters through spaying/neutering, and maintains the highest standards of care for their animals including veterinary treatment, housing, love, tenderness and compassion.

Each year, members of the Griffins’ team and staff visit the animal sanctuary to walk dogs and raise awareness for Mackenzie’s mission. The participants walk around the facilities for an afternoon of fun and socializing. In the evening, an auction is held to raise additional funds for the shelter.

Not only has the event been an outlet for the Griffins to connect and make an impact in their community, but it’s also been good for Mackenzie’s goal – providing these dogs with a healthy and happy life.

“This event is certainly unique and very well received by our players, many of whom own dogs themselves,” said Bob Kaser, vice president of community relations and broadcasting for the Griffins. “More importantly, it is an event that brings to light an incredible organization, Mackenzie’s, and the remarkable and humane work they do.”

Mainly through fans making pledges at pupsandpucks.com, as well as proceeds from the auction, the money raised from the event has had a gigantic impact on Mackenzie’s. In the first six years of fundraising, the event raised nearly $100,000 to fund an on-site veterinarian clinic. As a result, dogs housed at the shelter are able to be spayed/neutered and receive dental exams, x-rays and checkups.

The Griffins’ community efforts don’t stop at the end of the leash, either.

As their efforts have evolved, the Griffins have generated more than $3.7 million for various schools, organizations and non-profits during the past 12 seasons and earned the AHL’s Western Conference community service award for both 2012-13 and 2008-09.

“Needless to say, we take a great deal of pride in giving back to our wonderful community and contributing to the great philanthropic spirit in West Michigan,” said Kaser.

The Great Skate Winterfest, held at Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is 34-hour event that includes skating, winter sports demonstrations, games and activities as part of a celebration of winter in the city. Funds from the event benefit the Griffins Youth Foundation, which gives local boys and girls the opportunity to play hockey, free of cost.

“Growing With the Griffins” sees players regularly attend local youth hockey practices to offer guidance to young athletes. “Put A Lid On It” is a helmet safety program that equips local children with bicycle helmets and helps prevent brain and neurological injuries among pre-K through middle school children.

In addition to the notoriety and recognition that comes along with being a professional athlete, Griffins players have the chance to make a significant impact in their surrounding communities. Something as simple as walking a dog or skating with a local hockey team can permanently affect a life, whether it’s human or canine.

Truly, there’s more to hockey than just hockey.

“Within our organization, it starts with ownership and ends with remarkable athletes, professional hockey players who understand that dedication to their community is as important as dedication to the game itself,” Kaser said.

A full list of the Griffins’ community efforts, their descriptions and videos from each event can be found at griffinshockey.com/community/programs/.

October 29, 2014

by Alan Cross – griffinshockey.com
____________________________

Within the very busy world of hockey, sometimes it’s good to pause for paws.

Since 2008, the Grand Rapids Griffins have partnered with Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, the largest no-kill dog sanctuary in the Midwest, for their annual Pups and Pucks Fall Walkathon.

Set on a few acres in the countryside of Lake Odessa, Mich., Mackenzie’s finds safe homes for abused, abandoned and neglected dogs. Mackenzie’s, which was founded in 1999, also pledges to assist in public education for the betterment of the local animal community, works to stop the cycle of unwanted litters through spaying/neutering, and maintains the highest standards of care for their animals including veterinary treatment, housing, love, tenderness and compassion.

Each year, members of the Griffins’ team and staff visit the animal sanctuary to walk dogs and raise awareness for Mackenzie’s mission. The participants walk around the facilities for an afternoon of fun and socializing. In the evening, an auction is held to raise additional funds for the shelter.

Not only has the event been an outlet for the Griffins to connect and make an impact in their community, but it’s also been good for Mackenzie’s goal – providing these dogs with a healthy and happy life.

“This event is certainly unique and very well received by our players, many of whom own dogs themselves,” said Bob Kaser, vice president of community relations and broadcasting for the Griffins. “More importantly, it is an event that brings to light an incredible organization, Mackenzie’s, and the remarkable and humane work they do.”

Mainly through fans making pledges at pupsandpucks.com, as well as proceeds from the auction, the money raised from the event has had a gigantic impact on Mackenzie’s. In the first six years of fundraising, the event raised nearly $100,000 to fund an on-site veterinarian clinic. As a result, dogs housed at the shelter are able to be spayed/neutered and receive dental exams, x-rays and checkups.

The Griffins’ community efforts don’t stop at the end of the leash, either.

As their efforts have evolved, the Griffins have generated more than $3.7 million for various schools, organizations and non-profits during the past 12 seasons and earned the AHL’s Western Conference community service award for both 2012-13 and 2008-09.

“Needless to say, we take a great deal of pride in giving back to our wonderful community and contributing to the great philanthropic spirit in West Michigan,” said Kaser.

The Great Skate Winterfest, held at Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is 34-hour event that includes skating, winter sports demonstrations, games and activities as part of a celebration of winter in the city. Funds from the event benefit the Griffins Youth Foundation, which gives local boys and girls the opportunity to play hockey, free of cost.

“Growing With the Griffins” sees players regularly attend local youth hockey practices to offer guidance to young athletes. “Put A Lid On It” is a helmet safety program that equips local children with bicycle helmets and helps prevent brain and neurological injuries among pre-K through middle school children.

In addition to the notoriety and recognition that comes along with being a professional athlete, Griffins players have the chance to make a significant impact in their surrounding communities. Something as simple as walking a dog or skating with a local hockey team can permanently affect a life, whether it’s human or canine.

Truly, there’s more to hockey than just hockey.

“Within our organization, it starts with ownership and ends with remarkable athletes, professional hockey players who understand that dedication to their community is as important as dedication to the game itself,” Kaser said.

A full list of the Griffins’ community efforts, their descriptions and videos from each event can be found at griffinshockey.com/community/programs/.