Seven Griffins Players Team Up for Charity
December 2, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins on Monday introduced an expanded version of "Puck Pals," a one-year-old community relations program that links players with various local charitable organizations.
"Puck Pals" was designed to enhance the players' positions as role models in the West Michigan community. The innovative program gives players the opportunity to serve as spokesmen and to assist organizations in different capacities, such as attending events and addressing children and adults in various settings. Last year, the Griffins partnered with three organizations; this year, "Puck Pals" has grown to include seven community organizations.
For the 2002-03 season, Griffins players have teamed up with the American Cancer Society (Marc Lamothe), Ronald McDonald House (Stacy Roest), Paws With a Cause (Bryan Adams), Big Brothers Big Sisters (Ryan Barnes), Make-A-Wish Foundation (Derek King), American Diabetes Association (Ed Campbell) and Muscular Dystrophy Association (Mark Mowers).
In addition to their roles as spokesmen, King, Lamothe and Roest have made significant commitments to fundraising for their chosen charities. Lamothe and the Fox Motor Group each will donate $1 for every save he makes to the A.C.S. King and Dean Foods are each contributing $50 for every goal he scores to Make-A-Wish, while Roest is making an undisclosed donation to the Ronald McDonald House.
"Working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation is great," said King. "It allows me to help give somebody the opportunity to do something they've always wanted to do. If we, as athletes, can give someone that opportunity, then we have to take it."
West Michigan social service agencies wishing to participate in the "Puck Pals" program are asked to call the Griffins at (616) 774-4585 ext. 3027.
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