Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Van Andel Arena Participating in High Schooler’s “Round Up at The Rink” Fundraiser

Savor…Grand Rapids, Van Andel Arena’s exclusive food and beverage provider, is teaming up with the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Make-A-Wish Foundation for participation in a special “Round Up at The Rink” event. Patrons attending any of the Griffins’ games this upcoming Thanksgiving weekend can contribute by rounding up their concession bills to the nearest dollar. The excess amount will go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Patrons are encouraged to contribute during the Friday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 25th Griffins games at any of the arena’s concession stands and/or the Fifth Third Bank Vault. The holidays are known as a time for giving to those in need. What better time than Thanksgiving weekend to participate in such a great cause.

The whole idea for Round Up at The Rink was brought to our attention by 14-year old Novi high School student, Ryan Rabinowitz, who first worked with Make-A-Wish when he was in the fourth grade. A longtime hockey player, Rabinowitz’s plan is to contact more than 100 arenas/rinks in Michigan and ask them to host a Round Up at The Rink event to help make wishes come true for children with life threatening medical conditions. Rabinowitz’s goal is to reach $5000 and help grant an entire wish.

The Griffins will take on the Chicago Wolves this Friday at 7pm. It is a $1 hot dog, $1 beer game and is also to the Griffins’ annual Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are asked to bring a new store-tagged teddy bear or stuffed animal to throw on the ice when the Griffins score their first goal. All stuffed animals collected will be donated to Hug-A-Bears of Kent County. Hug-A-Bears serves the community by donating teddy bears to children and families in crisis.

Sunday’s 4pm game will have the Griffins match up against the Milwaukee Admirals. The first 2,500 fans will receive a Griffins poster and puzzle combo as ZOOperstars return to Van Andel Arena for the third straight season. The inflatable mascots will entertain fans in the stands throughout the game and on the ice during both intermissions.

Advance tickets are $14, $16 and $18 in the arena’s upper level, and $18, $22, $26 and $32 in the lower level. (Additional $2 per ticket on day of game.) Tickets available at The Zone (inside Van Andel Arena), all Star Ticket outlets including Meijer stores, charge by phone at 800.585.3737 or at the Van Andel Arena box office 90 minutes before each game.