Griffins join Oklahoma City tornado relief efforts

As the Grand Rapids Griffins prepare for tonight's opening game of the AHL Western Conference finals against the Oklahoma City Barons, the Griffins are also supporting relief efforts to aid the victims of Monday's tornado near Oklahoma City.

The following information was sent by Griffins Senior Publicity Director Randy Cleves:

Here is a rundown of the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts the Griffins currently have planned for our games this weekend. All proceeds will benefit    the Red Cross unless otherwise noted.

·         A moment of silence will be held before Friday’s game;

·         Each Griffins player who participated in the series against Toronto will autograph one of his game-used sticks, and all of those sticks will be sold Friday on the arena concourse between 5:45 p.m. and the end of the second intermission. Price is $100 per stick, first-come, first-served;

·         During the first timeout of the first period on Friday, representatives from Meijer will present a check to the Red Cross, and fans will be encouraged to make a donation via text message;

·         The Griffins Booster Club will conduct a Chuck-a-Puck on Friday and a 50/50 raffle on Saturday;

·         Donation buckets will be placed at various arena concession stands;

·         The Griffins are facilitating additional donations through ticket sales to our corporate partners;

·         Bell ringers will be present on the arena plaza to raise funds for the Salvation Army’s relief efforts.

The tornado, which struck Moore, an Oklahoma City suburb, killed at least 24 people, including nine children. Approximately 2,400 homes in Moore and Oklahoma city were damaged.