Griffins' Captain Richards Teams with Fuel Systems to Help Children
Published on November 21, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
Grand Rapids, Mich. - Fuel Systems and Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Travis Richards are proud to announce a pair of new community outreach programs, "Captain's Quarters" and "Captain's Caravan."
As part of Captain's Quarters, 25 tickets for each Griffins home game will be distributed to local organizations such as St. John's Home, DeVos Children's Hospital, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, United Methodist Community House, Steil Youth Center, Other Way Ministries and D.A. Blodgett. A banner will hang in Van Andel Arena in front of section 210, indicating the location of the donated tickets.
Captain's Caravan will feature three events linking Richards and kids from St. John's Home. On Tuesday, Nov. 25, Richards and some of his teammates will stay after their 11 a.m. practice to host several youngsters for a skate at Griff's IceHouse (30 Coldbrook NE). Later that day, Richards and center Mark Mowers will join approximately 30 kids at St. John's to participate in some outdoor and indoor activities before sitting down to a big, pre-Thanksgiving Day meal. The children from St. John's Home will also be treated to a bowling/dinner event in January at Eastbrook Lanes and a yet-to-be determined outing in March.
All of the above is made possible by the generosity of Tim Masek, president and CEO of Fuel Systems. "I met Travis over the summer, and we discussed ways that we could help others who may not be as fortunate or have the opportunities that we have," said Masek. "We were very impressed with St. John's Home and what they do in the community. I was brought up to give back to the community in any way that you can. This program is just a start. We are looking forward to working with St. John's Home and any other charities that are interested in working with us."
Michelle Hoexum, development director for St. John's Home, expressed excitement at the opportunity to work with the Griffins. "The interaction with Travis will allow the kids here to gain firsthand exposure to his leadership and passion for the game, and allow him to serve as a great role model for the kids," said Hoexum. "It will give us some good exposure in the community. I think this is going to be a great partnership."
St. John's Home will also benefit this season from the Griffins' Charitable Goals Program, receiving $75 from Fuel Systems and Mowers for each goal he scores. Prior to his Nov. 19 recall to the parent Detroit Red Wings, Mowers had scored eight goals for the Griffins, raising $600 for St. John's Home.
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