Winter Classic: 23 years supporting Flathead families
Whitefish resident and Former NFL player Doug Betters, left, autographs a football at the Big Mountain Summit House during the 1999 Winter Classic. Whitefish Pilot file photo
The 23rd annual Whitefish Winter Classic will be held March 15-18, coinciding with St. Patrick's Day this year.
Celebrities from the NFL and University of Montana Grizzlies will be in town to help raise money for needy families in the Flathead Valley.
Four days of non-stop activities include a celebrity all star basketball game, autograph signing, a VIP dinner and auction, a snow picnic, a St. Patrick's Day party and a champagne brunch.
"We have 12 guests confirmed," said Doug Betters, former Miami Dolphin and founder of the Winter Classic.
Some of the celebrity guests include Montana Grizzlies head football coach Bob Hauck, Super Bowl XXVI MVP Mark Rypien and recent Super Bowl XLI winner Jake Scott, of the Indianapolis Colts.
"Jake is bringing a jersey from Peyton Manning to be auctioned off at our VIP Dinner," Betters said. "It should go big."
The annual fund-raiser raises money for local Flathead Families with children who need pediatric medical care only available to them outside the 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 the funds do not cover direct medical expenses, they pick up where insurance leaves off, covering costs for transportation, lodging and food. In the past year alone, 36 families received financial assistance.
"It's an opportunity to have some winter fun for a good cause," Betters states, "there's something for everybody."
The main event takes place Friday, March 16, at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake — the VIP dinner and auction. Up for bid are art pieces, authentic sports memorabilia and several recreational packages, including a luxury dinner train ride to Marias Pass donated by BNSF Railway.
Other donated trips are with Lewis and Clark Adventures, Glacier Wilderness Guides and True North Safaris. The art pieces can be previewed at the Stillwater Gallery or online at www.whitefishwinterclassic.org. Absentee bid forms are also available at both locations.
Raffle tickets will be available all weekend for prizes that include a Jagermeister snowboard donated by the Whitefish Liquor Store and a mountain bike donated by Sportsman Ski Haus. Donations are gladly accepted at all events.
For more information on the Whitefish Winter Classic weekend or the foundation, please go to www.whitefishwinterclassic.org.
Schedule of events
March 15 — Celebrity all star basketball game, 7 p.m., Whitefish High School, free.
March 16 — Autograph signing, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Summit House on Big Mountain, free; VIP dinner and auction, 5:30 p.m., The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, $700 sponsor table, $75 individuals.
March 17 — Flathead Valley snowmobile picnic, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Big Mountain off of Gray Wolf Run, free; St. Patrick's Day party, 7-9 p.m., Great Northern Brewery, $25.
March 18 — Champagne brunch, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Whitefish Lake Restaurant, $12 adults, $6 children; For the Children Night at Wasabi, 5 p.m., cost varies.