A few months back, my buddy Andy Guy (@wondergempr) and I were drinking martinis at Bistro Bella Vita when another friend, Andy Visser of Grubb & Ellis|Paramount Commerce called to say he was heading to the “soft” opening of Peppino’s new downtown sports bar.

Andy (Guy) and I both commented on how fortunate we were to now have a cool, urban sports bar in Downtown GR, and how it would be a great spot to watch the many sporting events we love, as well as to possibly even host an event. That’s when the light went on for both of us. What if we could WORK-IN during the tournament, and raise some money for a worthy cause?

Back in college, I was a hard core NCAA Tournament Junkie who watched every single game from tip to tip on that first weekend. My obsession continued sometime after college, but as with life, responsibility has made it nearly impossible to even catch a few games on opening day.



But wait… Here we are in the digital age! We don’t need to be tied down to the office! Not when we have a great sports bar with wifi, big screen TVs, pizza, beer, the NCAA tournament and a chance to help raise money for Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. What a great fit! A day to come watch the games AND work! Even if it’s only just enough to please the boss.

Obviously the idea had legs. After meeting the owners of Peppino’s Downtown (Kurt Sudinski, Mark Stankus, and Joe DiLeonardo) the event is on. We are very pleased to have invited Friends of Grand Rapids Parks as our charity to make this a ‘Slam Dunk’ event. Now it’s time to join in on the fun.

The Image Shoppe donated the logo and promotional work, Wondergem will donate the public relations, and Peppino’s is supporting the radio campaign with Brent Bikita and Michael Grey (special thanks to Andy Visser, who introduced us to the Peppino’s folks and got this headed in the right direction.) Proceeds from this event will go to help Friends of Grand Rapids Parks rebound with much-needed replacement backboards and nets in our city parks.

Corporate table reservations are available for 2 seatings during the day of the event. You can get more information online at Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and clicking on the Work In Link on the homepage. The Image Shoppe will be representing, along with Wondergem PR, WBBL’s Brent Bikita and Michael Grey and of course Peppino’s Downtown Sports Bar. There is also word that there may be prizes from a few of our friends, but we'll just have to wait and see.