Hockey, Hops and Hope is back March 16

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins and Easterseals Michigan are partnering for the ninth annual Hockey, Hops and Hope, a wine and craft beer tasting fundraiser to be held on Monday, March 16 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Fox Acura Showroom (4330 29th St SE).

Griffins players and coaches will serve a variety of wine and craft beer samples to guests at the event, which will feature music, hors d’oeuvres by YoChef’s Catering and a silent auction, which will include vacation packages, autographed sports memorabilia and more.

"Hockey, Hops & Hope has become a staple of our community outreach," Griffins vice president of community relations and broadcasting Bob Kaser said. "It's a unique event and an awful lot of fun for all involved, especially our players and coaches. We take great pride in working closely with Denise Durkee, Brent Wirth and others who, with their passion for Easterseals, inspire us in our desire to assist in raising money and awareness for this great cause."

The event is sponsored by Amway, Flagstar Bank, Forms and Fulfillment, Imperial Beverage, Fox Acura, Art of the Table and YoChef's Catering. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for $50 per person (or $80 for two) at eastersealsmichigan.com or by phone at (616) 942-2081.

Easterseals Michigan offers more than 10 programs in Kent County, including children’s speech and language therapy, children's occupational therapy, summer camps, children's trauma services, children's behavior health services, AgrAbility for Farmers, and Independent Living and Caring For Caregivers for older adults. The organization also will expand offerings to include autism testing and the Incredible Years program, which is the leading early childhood development training program for parents of children ages birth to 12.

"We truly value our longstanding partnership with the Grand Rapids Griffins," Easterseals Michigan president and CEO Brent Wirth said. "Their support is tremendously important to the children and families whose lives benefit from the exceptional services they receive from Easterseals."

About Easterseals Michigan
Since 1920, Easterseals Michigan has been the indispensable resource helping to define and change the way people live with, and view, disability. As a leader in addressing the disabilities of the 21st century that affect 1 in 4 individuals and their families, Easterseals Michigan empowers more than 13,000 people annually to live more independent lives.

Whether the challenge is behavioral, physical, social or intellectual, Easterseals Michigan adapts to the unique needs of each person. Through a continuum of services including, but not limited to, early childhood intervention, substance abuse services, occupational therapy, senior services and recreational programs including the Miracle League of Michigan and Miracle Dance, Easterseals Michigan creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can thrive in their own communities.

For more information, visit eastersealsmichigan.com.

Photo by Sam Iannamico/Griffins