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History

The brainchild of a Miami Dolphins football player who retired to Whitefish Doug Betters uses his influence to attract both active and retired NFL football players from around the country to assist with the event. He started the Winter Classic to get a chance to show off the Whitefish area to some of his teammates and with support from Big Mountain Resort, the event hatched.

While still playing defensive end for Miami, Betters attended Billy Kidd's Cowboy Downhill in Snowbird. That got him thinking why not an NFL version of the Cowboy Downhill? He saw the event as a time to get big guys and little kids together, a time to see NFL players as regular people to see big football players playing in the snow.

The event could have been aligned with a national medical cause, but Betters wanted to help local kids. He knew several families whose children's needs required trips to Spokane, Seattle, or Helena. Originally, funds raised through the event went to Spokane's Deaconess Hospital and Shodair Children ' s Hospital in Helena. But shortly, the need for individual funds for specific children in the Flathead became greater.

The first Winter Classic launched in 1984, Big Mountain Resort signed on as a major sponsor along with Grouse Mountain Lodge. Still sponsored 20 years later by Whitefish Mountain Resort (formerly Big Mountain Resort) along with new sponsors, the fundraiser focuses around raising money for children who need medical care outside Flathead Valley. Event staples include a basketball game, VIP dinner and auction, and a brunch. Bouncing annually between Columbia Falls and Whitefish high schools, NFL players challenge the local high school all stars to a game of hoops. Tables at the VIP dinner place locals with visiting celebrities while raising money through an art and memorabilia auction. And in one of the best deals around, Whitefish Lake Golf Course Restaurant opens its doors for a scrumptious champagne brunch with favorites drummed up by favorite local chefs.

For tickets and information call:
(406) 862-8146
or email us at:
info@whitefishwinterclassic.org