Griffins hand out coats for Guiding Light Mission

By: Brittney Schering

Griffins defense players, Greg Amadio and Logan Pyett, will switch to offense to hand out coats to those in need at Guiding Light Mission. Joining their team will be five members of the Griffins’ front office staff. The distribution will take place on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. in the chapel.

The coats were part of a drive that was conducted from Sept. 27 to Oct. 15 by Fox V.O.I.C.E. Hundreds of items were donated through the coat drive. Guiding Light Mission spend two days sorting and organizing the items from blankets, coats, hats, and gloves for men, women, and children.

The pick-up opportunity is open to men in the S.T.A.R.T. program and their families as well as men in the emergency shelter. The rest of the items will be handed out to other agencies for distribution.

Donations were accepted at the Grand Rapids Griffins front office located at the Van Andel Arena, as well as at all 18 Fox Motors dealership locations, including the following in Grand Rapids: Delta Imports, Fox Acura, Fox Ford Mazda, Fox Honda, Fox Hyundai Kia, Fox Nissan, Fox Pontiac GMC, Fox Saab, and Fox Yamaha.

The goal at Guiding Light Mission is to serve its clients. The drive conducted by Fox V.O.I.C.E. means that men in the shelter and their families will not be cold this winter. For more information on the Fox V.O.I.C.E. or Guiding Light Mission, please head over to www.dpfox.com/thefoxvoice or www.lifeonthestreet.org.

Griffins to host third annual “Pups and Pucks” dog walk-a-thon

By: Brittney Schering

Grand Rapids Griffins will host its third annual “Pups and Pucks” fall walk-a-thon next Monday, Oct. 11. Beene Garter L.L.P. presents this event by Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary in Lake Odessa.

Griffins’ players, coaches, and front-office staff will walk rescued dogs for pledges made by fans through firstgiving.org/grg. Animal lovers are encouraged to attend (with or without a dog to walk), to collect their own pledges, and to enjoy a variety of activities that begin at 4:30 p.m.

Activities include:

• Live Music by Lew Russ – From 4:30-8:30 p.m.;

• BBQ – Provided by Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill between 4:30-8 p.m.;

• Hay Rides – Enjoy a hay ride around Mackenzie’s property from 5-8 p.m.;

• Puppy Pumpkin Decorating – Create a puppy face using paint, pumpkins and other fun materials;

• K-9 Costume Contest – Best-dressed dog wins a prize;

• Pet Experts and Vendors – A variety of animal professionals and pet vendors will be available to share information about their services and answer questions about your pet needs;

• Silent Auction – Features items ranging from team-signed Griffins jerseys, spa packages and Bissell vacuums, to celebrity-signed merchandise and local restaurant gift certificates;

• Caricature Artists – Get a caricature painted of you and your furry friend;

• Microchipping – From 5-7:30 p.m., have your dog microchipped for $20 with the “Home Again” anti-migration chip;

• Bake sale – Snack on a delicious treat or get one to take home;

• Petting Zoo – Fans are welcome to enjoy a petting zoo presented by Farm Animals on the Go!

Fans wishing to participate in the walk-a-thon are encouraged to collect pledges for the event. Those who are unable to collect, or simply want to attend, can do so by paying a $10 entry fee. Children age three and under are free.

Dogs must be registered along with proof of health-care and vaccinations. Early registration begins at 4:30 p.m., or fans can download registration forms at www.mackenzies.info/events/walkathon.php.

The event raised $15,000 during each of is first two years in support of Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, the Midwest’s largest no-kill sanctuary that is dedicated to providing a “home along the way” for dogs in need.

Griffins and Fox Motors team up for coat drive

By: Brittney Schering

Grand Rapids Griffins and Fox Motors are collecting new and gently used coats and blankets, as well as new hats, gloves, and scarves, from now until Oct. 15 for Guiding Light Mission.

For every new coat donated during this time, donors will receive a voucher to purchase up to four Griffins tickets at $10 apiece for the Friday, Oct. 22 game versus Milwaukee.

Donations will be accepted during business hours at the Griffins' office at Van Andel Arena and all 18 Fox Motors dealership locations, including Delta Imports, Fox Acura, Fox Ford Mazda, Fox Honda, Fox Hyundai Kia, Fox Nissan, Fox Pontiac Buick GMC, Fox Saab, and Fox Yamaha in the Grand Rapids area.

The Fox V.O.I.C.E. (Volunteer Organization Involving the Community and Employees) is a community involvement committee comprised of the following DP Fox Ventures affiliates: Grand Rapids Griffins, Fox Insurance, and Fox Motors.

For more information on how you can help keep West Michigan warm this winter, including addresses to drop-off locations, please check out www.dpfox.com/thefoxvoice.

Griffins launch summer photo contest on Facebook

Pack your Griffins gear on your next trip and you could win big. Now through Aug. 27, Grand Rapids Griffins fans are invited to enter the team's summer photo contest by submitting photos via the Griffins' Facebook page of themselves, friends and family sporting Griffins gear in Grand Rapids and beyond.

Prizes will be awarded for the most unique photos, the most people in a photo sporting Griffins gear and the photos taken the farthest from Grand Rapids. Three winners in each category will receive autographed Griffins memorabilia, while the grand prize winner in each category will also receive the opportunity to take pictures from between the benches during one period of a Griffins 2010-11 regular season game.

To enter, simply "like" the Griffins' fan page and upload your photos to their wall. Be sure to include who is in the picture and when and where the picture was taken. Winners will be announced on Aug. 30.

Griffins to open 15th season at home

The Grand Rapids Griffins will open a season at home for the first time in five years when they christen their 15th season on Friday, Oct. 8 at Van Andel Arena. Five additional dates Friday home games have also been announced for the 2010-11 season: November 26, December 10 and 31, January 21 and 22.

Start times and opponents will be announced later this summer, when the full 80-game slate for the AHL's 75th anniversary season is released. The league's milestone season will also mark the Griffins' 10th year of AHL membership.

Group tickets for these six games are now on sale along with the 2010-11season ticket packages. Single-game tickets will go on sale to the public in September. For more information, go to griffinshockey.com or call their office at (616) 774-4585.

Kirk Gibson signing autographs at Saturday's Griffins game

Former Detroit Tigers great Kirk Gibson will meet fans and sign autographs for one hour before Saturday's Grand Rapids Griffins game. The Griffins have also teamed up with the West Michigan Whitecaps to offer a great experience for local sports fans with the Double Play Pack.

The package includes six specially priced upper level Griffins FLEX tickets; four specially priced reserved seat tickets to any Whitecaps game during the 2010 season; and two Gibson 8x10 photo cards created especially for his autograph session with the Griffins, all for $99. Call 774-4585 ext. 3040 to purchase. An open skate and autograph session with Griffins players Doug Janik, Jakub Kindl and Kris Newbury will follow the game.

Tickets for both games are available at The Zone at Van Andel Arena and all Star Tickets outlets, including Meijer stores. Call 222-4000 / 800-585-3737 or purchase online at griffinshockey.com.