Heavy Hitters at Golf Classic

>Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland and assistant GM Jim Nill will highlight the list of hockey celebrities participating in the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation’s Tenth Annual Golf Classic, set for Monday, Aug. 23 at Railside Golf Club in Byron Center .

>The event serves as the primary fundraiser for the Griffins Youth Foundation, whose mission is to expand the opportunities for underprivileged children to participate in ice skating and related sports activities, and to encourage academic excellence, community involvement and healthy lifestyles among the youth of West Michigan . Proceeds from last year’s event totaled $73,000 for the foundation’s programs.

>Holland and Nill will be joined by a host of hockey notables as the golf classic moves to its new home at Railside Golf Club. Among those scheduled to participate are 1980 U.S. Olympian and four-time Stanley Cup champion Ken Morrow, fellow 1980 gold medalist Jack O’Callahan, Kentwood native and current Philadelphia Flyers right wing Mike Knuble, former Griffins and current Florida Panthers defenseman Joel Kwiatkowski, Chicago Blackhawks and former Grand Rapids Owls broadcaster Pat Foley, and several Griffins players and coaches.

> The day will commence with an 11 a.m. shotgun start and conclude with dinner and both silent and live auctions at approximately 5 p.m. WLAV’s Tony Gates will serve as emcee for the dinner and auctions, which will include a U.S. Olympic hockey jersey autographed by several members of the 1980 gold medal team.

> A field of 36 foursomes will take part in the golf classic. Cost is $800 per foursome or $225 per individual, while tickets for the dinner/auction only are available for $40 per couple or $25 per individual. All golfers will receive an amenity bag including a golf shirt and balls. The course will feature food and beverages from Leo’s Restaurant, The Sierra Room, Adobe Restaurants, Pepsi and West Side Beer, as well as contests including hit the hockey net, hole-in-one, closest to the pin and longest drive.

> Meijer will once again serve as the title sponsor for the golf classic, while a number of other sponsorship packages and levels are still available to local companies.

> Anyone interested in sponsorships, golf, dinner or donating auction items may call Michael Sekulich, executive director of the foundation, at either 451-9708 or 901-2650 .