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Winter Classic celebrates 25 years of giving

| March 11, 2010 10:00 PM

The Whitefish Winter Classic will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Thursday through Sunday, March 12-14. Over the years, the organization has raised more than $1 million to assist Flathead Valley children with non-covered medical costs.

"Thanks to the generosity of many people, we've been there for hundreds of families in their time of need," said Classic founder Doug Betters, who played for the Miami Dolphins from 1978-1987. "Not a week goes by when someone doesn't come up to me and say, 'You don't know me, but I want to shake your hand and say thanks. You helped me out in a very difficult time, and I don't know what we would have done if not for the Winter Classic.' Giving back to others is an amazing feeling like no other and something you'll remember the rest of your life."

Over its 25 years, the Whitefish Winter Classic has hosted more than 375 celebrities who have come to enjoy the Flathead Valley and help in fundraising for this great cause.

Returning this year are NFL players Colt Anderson (Minnesota Vikings), Casey Fitzsimons (Detroit Lions), Justin Green (Arizona Cardinals), Tuff Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers), Rocky Klever (New York Jets, retired), Ed Mulitalo (Detroit Lions), Haloti Ngata (Baltimore Ravens), Tyler Polumbus (Denver Broncos) and Grey Ruegamer (Seattle Seahawks). Joining them will be Monte, the University of Montana Grizzlies mascot.

New to this year's celebrity roster are Dan Carpenter (Miami Dolphins), Scott Gragg (UM offensive line coach, San Francisco 49ers, retired), Lex Hilliard (Miami Dolphins), Marc Mariani (former Griz standout) and Robin Pflugard (UM head football coach).

The Whitefish Winter Classics' four action-packed days are designed to give everyone a venue to come and participate, from taking the whole family to meet the players to an elegant VIP gala and live poker at The Lodge At Whitefish Lake and a champagne brunch at the Whitefish Lake Restaurant.

Schedule:

Thursday, March 11

* Kick-off party, Crush Wine Bar, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cost $20.

* Poker Run, downtown Whitefish, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Cost $10 per hand.

Friday, March 12

* Meet the players, Whitefish Mountain Resort Summit House.

* Whitefish Credit Union NFL Play 60 Challenge, Whitefish High School gym, 4-7 p.m.

* Snow picnic on Whitefish Mountain Resort's Gray Wolf Run, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 13

* VIP gala and auction and after party, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, 5:30 p.m. Call 862-8146 for ticket information.

Sunday, March 14

* Champagne brunch, Whitefish Lake Restaurant, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets in advance, adults $12 and 12-and-under $7 available at the Whitefish Credit Union, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake and Glacier Bank. Tickets at the door, adults $15 and 12-and-under $12.

For more information, visit online at www.WhitefishWinterClassic.org or call Doug Betters at 862-8146. All proceeds benefit For the Children, Inc.