AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Griffins Enlist Their Better Halves

Published on December 3, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - Grand Rapids Griffins players and coaches will be joined in their community endeavors over the next several months by some very familiar faces, as their wives and girlfriends have joined forces to form "Better Halves."

Through this program, Debbie Cole, wife of head coach Danton Cole, and Erin Ireland, better half of assistant coach Greg Ireland, will work closely with players' significant others and the Griffins organization in the development of programs designed to enhance the team's community relations efforts.

The group has already organized a fundraiser to benefit The Grand Rapids Press' Santa Claus Girls program. At the Griffins' home games this Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6, "Better Halves" will raffle a special Christmas tree featuring personalized ornaments autographed by the players. Proceeds will be used for a "Better Halves" shopping spree at the Meijer store on 28th Street in Cascade on Monday, Dec. 15, from 7-8 p.m.

Meijer has agreed to contribute ten percent of the purchase price to assist the program. "Meijer takes great pride in partnering on goodwill projects for our communities," said John Zimmerman, director of community and customer relations for Meijer. "We have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Griffins and are thrilled to participate with this special event."

In an effort to brighten the holidays for a larger number of families, Griffins players and Tim Masek, president and CEO of Fuel Systems, will generously match the proceeds raised through the raffle.

The gifts purchased will then be distributed to needy families through the Santa Claus Girls program during the holidays. Some of the players' wives and girlfriends will assist the Press in the delivery of the gifts on Saturday, Dec. 20.

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American Hockey League Stories from December 3, 2003


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