Page 19 - Flathead Beacon // 2.4.15

FLATHEADBEACON.COM COVER
FEBRUARY 4, 2015 | 19
Doug Betters, right, autographs a football for Tanner Showen during the Whitefish Winter Classic. BEACON FILE PHOTO
In 1985, when he was in his late 20s and in the thick of his playing days, Bet- ters founded what is now called the Whitefish Winter Classic. Over the last few decades, Betters has wrangled to- gether professional athletes and celeb- rities, such as Peter Fonda and Steve Young, who have taken part in a week- end of festivities and fundraisers in Whitefish each spring.
The events have included all-star
basketball games between pro athletes and local high school students, a pub- lic barbecue that drew more than 1,500 people and a gala event that regularly features prestigious auction items, such as Super Bowl tickets and jerseys signed by Hall of Fame players.
The Winter Classic has grown into a beloved annual tradition and one of the longest running and most successful charity events in Montana, raising near-
ly $2 million for local children in need of medical care.
“It sure has helped a lot of people over the years,” said Charlie Abell, a longtime volunteer with the Winter Classic along- side his wife, Susan. “It’s been a great thing for the kids from Northwest Mon- tana who needed that help.”
Now, after an impressive run that has long outlasted his memorable NFL career, the man at the heart of the event
is bowing out.
This year’s Winter Classic, slated
for March 5-8, will be Betters’ last as host. The 58-year-old is ready to pass the torch on to a new generation of NFL players and volunteers.
He will remain involved as a member of the Board of Directors for the Classic along with his wife, Jennifer, who has been similarly devoted to the event over the last 10 years. The couple will also
Haloti Ngata, with the Baltimore Ravens, high-fives Grady Hutton after Hutton’s toss of a football during the Doug Betters NFL Play 60 Challenge. Brock Osweiler plays a game of dodgeball with kids at the Whitefish Winter Classic Play 60 Challenge. BEACON FILE PHOTO