Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund Honors NFL Legends In Detroit Area

    NORTHBROOK, IL, September 21, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Amongst the honorees at the dinner will be former Detroit Lions and Pro Football Hall of Fame members Bill Dudley and Charlie Sanders along with Lions greats Earl Morrall, Ron Kramer, Terry Barr, Jimmy David, Roger Brown and Darris McCord.

"This is a great way for us to honor deserving individuals not just because they were great players but because they have given so much back to the community" said Tom Nowatzke, head of the Detroit Chapter of the Gridiron Greats.

Tickets for the dinner cost $150 per person or $1,300 per table of ten. Proceeds from the dinner will go to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, as well to the family of Mason Samborski, a former Oak Park (MI) police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty last December leaving behind a wife and young daughter. The family will be in attendance.

Also being honored and present will be former Lions great Wally Tripplett, who after graduating from Penn State in 1949, was the first ever African American Player selected in the NFL draft and who actually played in the NFL. Additional retirees to be honored include John Panelli (Notre Dame/Detroit Lions), legendary Pittsburgh Steeler and Notre Dame great Rocky Bleier and University of Michigan greats Reggie McKenzie (Buffalo Bills) and Albert Wistert (Philadelphia Eagles). John Conti, a former University of Detroit Great, will be honored for his charitable work for the NFL Alumni.

Terry Forster, of the Detroit News will be the master of ceremonies and included in the program will be a GGAF 'media award' presented to long-time Detroit News columnist Jerry Green.

Many players will be present and available for an autograph session which will take place between 10 am - 4 pm Saturday, October 10 also at the Rock Financial Showplace and October 11 at the Livonia Elks. Times of player availability will be announced shortly.
For sponsorship opportunities, advertising or ticket information you may contact us at [email protected] or call Mark at (248) 444-2241.

The GGAF, whose chairman is Mike Ditka, is a non-stock, nonprofit corporation that has been very active in retired NFL player assistance. The organization has provided over $1.5 million in financial aid and medical assistance to retired NFL players. The organization focuses on the humanitarian side of post-football related issues which include coordination of social services to retired players who are in need due to a variety of reasons including inadequate disability and/or pensions.

The GGAF also provides hands-on assistance to help retired players and their families deal with hardships they face after football. The services include medical assistance, financial assistance for utilities, medication, food, utilities, automotive payments and child care.

The GGAF raises awareness through fund raising efforts and events. In conjunction with Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, the organization will be holding a special GGAF Super Bowl Gala at the Loews Hotel Grand Ballroom Saturday, February 6 in Miami.

The GGAF's Board of Directors includes: Mike Ditka, Jimmy Johnson, Marv Levy, Gale Sayers, Matt Birk, Kyle Turley and Greg Brown, CEO of Motorola.

For tickets and sponsorship inquiries to the GGAF's Super Bowl Gala and 'Billfish Bowl' events, interested parties can contact the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund at (847) 509-3086.

Recently appointed GGAF President Ken Valdiserri will also be in attendance at the dinner. The GGAF headquarters are located in Northbrook, Illinois.

Website: http://www.gridirongreats.org

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