GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A sold-out field of 36 foursomes will participate in the 15th Annual Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic, presented by Meijer and Dean Foods. The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at its new home, the renowned Egypt Valley Country Club in Ada, Mich. Several hockey celebrities, including Griffins players Jakub Kindl and Jamie Tardif, are scheduled to play in the scramble format that tees off at 10 a.m.

The golf classic serves as the primary fundraiser for the Griffins Youth 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. Last year’s outing raised in excess of $85,000 for the foundation, making it one of the largest charitable events in West Michigan.

“It’s a great example of how giving this community is,” said Bob Kaser, the Griffins’ vice president of community relations and broadcasting who also serves as president of the Griffins Youth Foundation and chairman of the golf classic. “Despite hardships that people and companies are going through, there are still a great number of corporate citizens who understand the importance of giving back. They dig down deep and still do it. For that, we thank them. We’re very fortunate.”

Those still interested in supporting the golf classic may do so either by donating an item for the silent and live auctions, or by purchasing a $20 ticket for the dinner/auction that will begin at approximately 3 p.m. Call 616-774-4585 ext. 3027.

Current auction items include:

• Chris Chelios autographed, game-worn Griffins jersey;
• Steve Yzerman autographed Red Wings jersey;
• $750 gift certificate from AK Rikk’s;
• 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, Chris Osgood and Steve Yzerman.

For more information on the Griffins Youth Foundation, please visit griffinskids.org.