Winter Classic kicks off Feb. 24

The Whitefish Winter Classic is an annual charity event that raises money to assist Northwest Montana families with pediatric medical-related costs not covered by insurance.

About $50,000 annually is given to local families whose children are in need of medical care outside Northwest Montana and picks up where insurance leaves off, covering items such as transportation, housing and specialty equipment.

Among the celebrities expected to attend this year are Dan Carpenter, Miami Dolphins; Robin Pflugrad, University of Montana Grizzlies head coach; Marc Mariani, Tennessee Titans; Chase Reynolds, former Griz standout; Kacie West, Ms. Montana; Monte, UM mascot; Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens; Colt Anderson, Philadelphia Eagles; Pat McQuistan, Miami Dolphins; Adam Koets, New York Giants; Dwan Edwards, Buffalo Bills; Rocky Klever, New York Jets, retired; Casey Fitzsimmons, Detroit Lions, retired; Justin Green, Arizona Cardinals, retired; and Ed Mulitalo, Detroit Lions, retired.

This year’s Winter Classic will hold its kick-off event on Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Crush Wine Bar, above The Toggery, with a chance to mingle with NFL celebrities and bid on a silent auction from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• A bar-to-bar poker run will follow from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., beginning at the Great Northern Bar.

• Visiting NFL players will sign autographs at The Summit House on top of Big Mountain, at Whitefish Mountain Resort, on Friday, Feb. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• The NFL Play 60 Challenge will take place in the Whitefish High School gym from 4 to 7 p.m. The free event wil feature Monte, the UM mascot.

• A snow picnic will take place just off the Gray Wolf ski run at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the Flathead Valley Snowmobile Association providing free burgers, chips and pop.

• The VIP Dinner and Art Auction with visiting NFL celebrities will take place at The Lodge At Whitefish Lake on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per individual or $700 per table.

• A champagne brunch by local chefs will take place at Whitefish Lake Restaurant on Sunday, Feb. 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit online at www.whitefishwinterclassic.org or call 862-8146.