Sports & Recreation

Relay for Life a success

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 10:44am

Rockford Relay For Life raised $318,000 for the American Cancer Society, making it one of the most successful fundraisers in the state.

Other West Michigan communities are doing their part. During the Wyoming-Grandville Relay For Life on May 10, participants raised at least $54,857. That same day, participants in the Grand Haven-Spring Lake Relay For Life collected at least $45,984 for the American Cancer Society. Runners and walkers in East Grand Rapids raised at least $56,531 during their Relay For Life May 17. On May 18, the Relay For Life of White Lake generated at least $43,211 for the American Cancer Society, while Relay For Life of Comstock Park raised at least $42,815.

And don’t count local colleges out. In April, Grand Valley State University raised at least $85,263 during its Relay For Life, Western Michigan University collected at least $32,083 and Aquinas College raised $5,670.

Plenty more communities are planning Rel

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Fifth Third Burger vying for 'Greatest of the Gut Busters' title

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 3:32pm

Fifth Third Burger vying for 'Greatest of the Gut Busters' title

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich.—A mammoth burger gracing Fifth Third Ballpark’s menu is in the running to be named Minor League Baseball’s Greatest of the Gut Busters.

The Fifth Third Burger is among the 16 culinary finalists in the online poll. At five pounds and 5,000 calories, it holds its own. The Fifth Third Burger contains a half cup of chili, five one-third pound burger patties, five slices of American chees, crushed corn chips, nacho cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream , salsa and jalapenos between an eight inch bun. Fans can take the Fifth Third Burger Challenge by attempting to eat the entire burger before the end of the Whitecaps game.

The Fifth Third Burger is vying against a variety of Minor League foods, including the Moby Dick Sandwich, Three Dog Night, Homewrecker, Garbage Pail and Salute to Pork Challenge. To cast your vote, visit the Minor League Ba

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Special Olympics Michigan 2013 Night Out with the Whitecaps May 18

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 4:01pm

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich.—Special Olympics athletes will take over Fifth Third Ballpark Saturday, May 18 for the “Special Olympics Michigan 2013 Night Out with the Whitecaps.”

The event includes a Special Olympics softball game from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Whitecaps- Bowling Green Hot Rods game at 7 p.m. and post-game fireworks.

Tickets are $10, with $2 from each pass going to Special Olympics Michigan programs in West Michigan.

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WAVE Award nominations open

Submitted by mkennedy on Thursday, May 2nd, 9:00 am

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- Experience Grand Rapids and the Kent County Lodging Association have opened the 6th Annual WAVE Award nominations.

The annual awards program recognizes outstanding service providers in the Grand Rapids and Kent County hospitality industry. Nominations will be accepted from employers and guests from April 30 to Oct.7, 2013. One award will be presented in each of the following categories: Transportation, Retail & Service, Attractions/Events, and Nightlife. New categories to the 2013 awards program include: Restaurants/Breweries, Lodging, and Volunteer in Hospitality.

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Win a makeover for your school from the Detroit Pistons

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Sunday, April 21st, 2013, 9:00am

Win a makeover for your school from the Detroit Pistons

(Detroit Pistons) – Does your library or gym need a new look?

Here’s your chance to win a makeover in the School Makeover contest from the Detroit Pistons and NBA Live, Learn or Play, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.

The School Makeover, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance and the Detroit Pistons, is accepting submissions from elementary and middle schools in the state of Michigan, through June 1. Submissions at www.nba.com/pistons/farm-bureau-school-makeover should include at least four images of the school’s library or gymnasium to be considered in the selection process.

“Farm Bureau Insurance agents are involved in their local communities all across the state. Michigan isn’t just a market for us, it is our home,” said Vic Verchereau, Farm Bureau Insurance vice president of Marketing. “We firmly believe in supporting safe and clean learning environments for our youth.

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Meet your favorite Whitecap Wednesday

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013, 11:00am

The West Michigan Whitecaps will start their season Thursday, but you can meet them before they take the plate.

The team will hold an open workout April 3 at Fifth Third Ballpark. Gates open at 1 p.m., and batting practice will start a half hour later. The team will field balls from 2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. before an autograph session with fans.

The Whitecaps’ season opener against Dayton is April 4 at 6:35 p.m. For ticket and roster information, visit the team website.

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West Michigan Whitecaps celebrate new season with giveaway

Submitted by Christa Graban, Producer

Monday, April 1st, 2013, 2:21pm

Spring is here, and the West Michigan Whitecaps are ready for opening day.

The Whitecaps will kick off their 20th season Thursday, April 4 at Fifth Third Ballpark. They’re taking on the Dayton Dragos at 6:35 p.m. According to the Whitecaps homepage, the first 1,500 fans that enter the stadium will receive a free 20th anniversary Whitecaps hat, courtesy Fifth Third Bank.

Opening day will also feature jugglers, stilt walkers and a live band at the ballpark’s main entrance. The gates open at 5 p.m. For purchase tickets, visit the Whitecaps’ website.

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