Final Winter Classic this week

The 30th and final edition of the Whitefish Winter Classic runs March 5-8 in Whitefish.

The charity event features well-known college and NFL football players, and raises money to help children access medical care through the nonprofit For the Children, Inc.

Whitefish resident Doug Betters, former Miami Dolphin and Montana Grizzly football player, founded the event in 1985. He announced this year that this will be the final time he hosts the popular event.

"It's a sad moment, but 30 years is a long time to do this," he said.

"We want to leave the party while it’s still fresh and leave on a high note."

Betters said he hopes one of the NFL players who frequently attends the event will take the reins, but he hasn't had any luck finding a successor yet.

"I've tried to pass the baton, but have no takers on it," he said.

He says it's possible there could be a scaled down version of the event, but he hasn't made any decisions.

"We'll revisit it at the end of this week," he said. "It's been a labor of love, that's for sure. We'll send it off on a good note this week."

While the Classic may be ending, Betters says the nonprofit For the Children will go on, and will partner with the Whitefish Community Foundation.

The Classic has helped thousands of Northwest Montana families by covering the non-medical expenses that add up when they have to travel outside the Flathead Valley for medical care.

Thanks to a generous donation locally, For the Children will now offer financial assistance statewide, Betters said.

This year’s Classic begins with a kick-off party at Casey’s Bar on March 5 at 5:30 p.m.

A poker run follows from 7-9 p.m. with stops at the VFW, Craggy Range, Tupelo, Crush Lounge and Great Northern Brewing Co.

Meet the players Friday, March 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the summit house at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

The always fun Play 60 Challenge is Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Whitefish High School gym. An autograph session follows immediately after until 8 p.m.

An evening of fine dining and entertainment at the Gala is Saturday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m. at The Lodge.

Events wrap up with a champagne brunch Sunday, March 8 at 9 a.m. at Whitefish Lake Restaurant.

For more event information, visit www.whitefishwinterclassic.org.

2015 Celebrity guests:

Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens

Colt Anderson, Indianapolis Colts

Chase Reynolds, St. Louis Rams

Brock Coyle, Seattle Seahawks

Dane Fletche, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jordan Tripp, Miami Dolphins

Beau Hill, Professional Bull Rider

Marc Mariani, Chicago Bears

Tim Hauck, Retired NFL

Rocker Klever, Retired New York Jets

Bob Stitt, UM Grizzlies Head Coach

Justin Green, UM Grizzlies Assistant Coach

Monte, UM Grizzlies Mascot