McCARTY TAKES SWING AT GOLF

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Four-time Stanley Cup champion Darren McCarty is slated to be among the participating celebrities at the 14th annual Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation Golf Classic, which will take place next Wednesday, Aug. 27 at Railside Golf Club in Byron Center.

McCarty, who spent five memorable weeks as a Griffin during his inspirational comeback last season, will join Kentwood native and Philadelphia Flyers forward Mike Knuble and new Griffins head coach Curt Fraser at the event, which serves as the primary fundraiser for the Griffins Youth Foundation.

The golf classic, which is presented by Meijer and Dean Foods, will commence with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. and conclude with a picnic dinner and both silent and live auctions at approximately 5 p.m. WGRD’s Eric Zane will serve as emcee for the auctions, which will include a wide array of items and sports memorabilia.

A field of 36 foursomes will take part in this scramble format. An on-the-course menu featuring Buffalo Wild Wings’ chicken wings, Vitale’s pizza and Cole’s cheesesticks and pizzasticks will be offered, along with contests including hit the hockey net, hole-in-one, closest to the pin and longest drive. In addition, Fox 17 sports anchor Tim Doty will be stationed at the par-3 sixth hole, collecting donations from foursomes who wish to use his tee shot.

Anyone interested in sponsorships, golf foursomes, dinner tickets or donating auction items may call Bob Kaser, president of the Griffins Youth Foundation and chairman of the golf classic, at (616) 774-4585 ext. 3027. Click here for more information.

The mission of the Griffins Youth Foundation is to promote academic excellence, community involvement and healthy lifestyles among the youth of West Michigan, enhancing their lives through hockey and ice-related sports. Last year’s outing raised in excess of $90,000 for the foundation, making it one of the largest charitable events in West Michigan.