The Grand Rapids Griffins concluded the 2025‑26 American Hockey League season with a remarkable charitable footprint, announcing that they raised $875,816 for a wide array of schools, nonprofits and community groups across West Michigan.
The bulk of that sum was funneled through the Griffins Youth Foundation, which alone received $356,696. Additional contributions came from jersey auctions, the Throw for Dough program, community ticket donations and a host of partnership-driven campaigns.
A Season of Giving
Six post‑game jersey auctions alone generated $87,532, while the Throw for Dough initiative added $68,140 through puck and ticket sales. The Charitable Goals program, supported by ten local companies and Griffins players, contributed $18,180, and the team's reading and ticket‑distribution efforts provided nearly 8,000 complimentary tickets to young fans.
Individual stars shone brightly in the fundraising arena. Brad “Dogg” Thompson led all donors with $2,900 raised via the Great Skate Winterfest’s online platform, while John Leonard and Acrisure together contributed $3,300 to the youth foundation. Goaltenders and Kilwins partnered with local businesses to raise $1,830 for Kids’ Food Basket, and Dominik Shine teamed with Meijer to generate $1,050 for the Jamie Daniels Foundation.
Beyond the Ice
The Griffins' impact extended past monetary gifts. The organization distributed 171 bike helmets through the Put A Lid On It! events, donated a $1,500 grant to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital’s Injury Prevention Program, and collected 4,500 teddy bears for the Billy Bear Hug Foundation during the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Staff and players also adopted 11 children for the holiday season, delivering gifts through Catholic Charities of West Michigan, while Shine and Alex Kannok Leipert hosted a monthly patient from the hospital for an MVP Experience.