AWESOME: Browning Kids Live Their Griz Dream Thanks to Griz Kidz

Saturday was a special day for a group of kids from Browning. A group of about 30 kids had the privilege to attend the Montana – Sacred Heart game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Some kids got to take in their first game ever thanks to the non-profit group Griz Kidz. 

What is Griz Kidz?

Griz Kidz is a non-profit organization that brings underprivileged kids to Griz games. They help the kiddos who may never be able to attend a game for whatever reason take in the mystique of Washington-Grizzly Stadium. 

“I tell many people this, it’s one of the best, favorite boards I’ve been on,” said former Griz wide receiver Jeff Larson. 

Larson is joined by other former Griz Tim Polich, Bryan Tripp, Thad Huse, Mike Bouchee, Shane MacIntyre and Dylan McFarland on the Griz Kidz board. They organize large groups of kids to attend Griz Football games with chaperones thanks to an allotment of season tickets.  

“It’s an amazing program. It’s absolutely fantastic.”  

The program started back in 2004 with just a few kids attending a game. Now, it’s grown into a weekly tradition. Last weekend’s beneficiaries were Browning students. Anytime Griz Kidz can help kids get to Wa-Griz for the first time, it’s a special story, but it’s different this year with the first ever Montana Grizzly from Browning, Tommy Running Rabbit, on the team.  

“Tommy’s story is amazing, right? He's an amazing young man, and, you know, it’s in my back yard. I mean, I grew up 30 miles away from Browning [in Cut Bank], so to get some kids from my backyard and a different part of the state... we’re going to show them a little extra love this weekend.”  

The kids had a great day at the stadium. Unfortunately, Running Rabbit didn’t get into the game as Sacred Heart kept it close into the 4th quarter. Even though Running Rabbit didn’t check in, Larson says it’s still special to see a small-town guy get an opportunity to play Division I football. 

“You definitely keep a closer eye on them, I would say, just cause you know they’re small towns, they’re very small communities and there’s a lot of kids and people, I would say, maybe even adults that probably look up to Tommy.”  

How you can help Griz Kidz 

Visit grizkidz.com to refer a youngster wanting to go to their first Griz game. You can also help out by making a donation of cash or leftover tickets you’re not using.