Classic offers four days of fun
The 23rd Annual Whitefish Winter Classic will be held March 15 through 18.
NFL and Griz celebrities will be in town to help raise money for needy families in the Flathead Valley. Activities include a celebrity all-star basketball game, autograph signing session, VIP dinner and auction, snow picnic, Classic St. Paddy's Day Party, and a champagne brunch.
Some of the celebrity guests attending this year include Bobby Hauck, head coach of the Montana Grizzlies; Mark Rypien, the most valuable player of Super Bowl XXVI; and Jake Scott of the Indianapolis Colts, this year's Super Bowl winner.
"It's an opportunity to have some winter fun for a good cause," said Doug Betters, former Miami Dolphin and founder of the Winter Classic.
The annual fundraiser raises money for local families with children who need pediatric medical care outside the Flathead Valley.
These children often suffer from critical illnesses, such as leukemia, which require extended stays or multiple stays for treatment in places such as Seattle and Salt Lake City.
While funds do not cover direct medical expenses, they pick up where insurance leaves off, covering transportation, lodging and food. In the past year, 36 families received financial assistance.
The basketball game kicks off the Winter Classic at 7 p.m. March 15 at Whitefish High School. NFL players and local high school all-stars take it out on the court, with a special appearance by Monte, the University of Montana mascot.
The event is free and open to the public.
Two other free events open to the public are on Big Mountain: On March 16, children can have lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with celebrity guests and have autographs signed at the Summit House. On March 17, all are welcome to join the players for the snow picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. just off of Gray Wolf Run.
The Winter Classic's main events, the dinner and auction, start at 5:30 p.m. March 16 at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Up for bid are art pieces, authentic sports memorabilia, and several recreational packages.
The art can be previewed at the Stillwater Gallery or online at www.whitefishwinterclassic.org.
Tickets for the VIP dinner are $75 each or $700 for a sponsor table. Reservations are required; call 862-8146.
On March 17, a St. Paddy's Day Party gets under way from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Great Northern Brewery. Enjoy traditional corned beef and cabbage with a pint of beer while hanging out with celebrity guests. The cost is $25.
On March 18, enjoy an all-you-can-eat champagne brunch at
Whitefish Lake Restaurant. The cost is $12 for adults or $6 for children.
Or have dinner at Wasabi Sushi Bar's For the Children Night. A portion of the evening's earnings will be donated to the Winter Classic. Reservations are appreciated.
Raffle tickets are available all weekend with some great prizes such as a Jagermeister snowboard and a mountain bike. Donations are accepted at all events.
For more information on the Whitefish Winter Classic weekend or the Foundation, visit www.whitefishwinterclassic.org.
PIX1- Doug Betters and University of Montana Coach Bob Hauck at last year's autograph session for the Whitefish Winter Classic.
(or) PIX 2 - Justin Green of the Baltimore Ravens and Jake Scott of the Indianapolis Colts sign footballs for the Whitefish Winter Classic at last year's autograph session.