Memorable week of golf raises funds for Meijer Simply Give program to restock Midwest food pantries
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2016-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News— Representatives with the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give today deemed the third annual tournament a success with an $850,000 donation to the retailer’s Simply Give program, which restocks the shelves of its food pantry partners across the Midwest. South Korean LPGA professional Sei Young Kim took home the trophy at the LPGA Tour event, which took place at Blythefield Country Club June 16-19, but the real winners are the families who will benefit from the donation.
“Thanks to the great weather and enthusiastic crowds, the third annual Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give was a complete success and will continue improving the quality of life in the Midwest,” Meijer Co-Chairman Doug Meijer said. “The difference all of this support has made is tremendous because this week was about more than just golf. It was an opportunity for the entire community to enjoy great athletic competition while supporting a very important cause – feeding the hungry.”
“On behalf of everyone at Meijer, we congratulate Sei Young Kim on a great win at the Meijer LPGA Classic,” Meijer President Rick Keyes said. “It was a fantastic end to a wonderful week. This year’s tournament was once again fully embraced by the community.”
While attendance figures are not yet available, representatives said the tournament continued to exceed expectations.
In total, the three tournaments generated more than $2.1 million for the Meijer Simply Give program.
Meijer started Simply Give in November 2008 and has since generated nearly $22 million for its food pantry partners. The contributions donated as a result of the Meijer LPGA Classic are due, in large part, to the generous Meijer customers who attended the tournament week events, and the sponsors who helped make the event a success.
The $850,000 donation will be divided among the retailer’s more than 200 food pantry partners participating in the spring Simply Give campaign, which ended today.
“The Meijer Simply Give program is extremely important to our food pantry because it helps us to provide healthy and nutritious food to our neighbors,” said Waverly Knight, a director of the Northwest Food Pantry. “Without the program, our food pantry shelves would be very empty. We thank Meijer for their willingness to have the Simply Give program and the community for their support in helping feed those in need.”
A crowd of enthusiastic fans lined the ropes at Blythefield Country Club June 16-19 to watch a competitive field of 144 world-class golfers play 72 holes of stroke play. Ultimately, Sei Young Kim claimed the title as the Meijer LPGA Classic champion after a one hole playoff, making this her sixth LPGA Tour victory and her second win this year.
Kim said this tournament was extra special because her dad was watching in the stands on Father’s Day.
“I’m very happy to on the Father’s Day give it to my dad … this trophy,” she said. “I played with Lexi Thompson last defending champion, so I’m very honored to play with her. She’s a great competitor.”
About Meijer Simply Give:
Meijer is a family-owned retailer based in Grand Rapids, Mich. with a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves. Meijer operates more than 200 super centers and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin, and proudly donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and wellness initiatives. For additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please visit meijercommunity.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
About Blythefield Country Club:
Located just north of Grand Rapids, Blythefield has been providing families the best golf and social experience in West Michigan since 1928. With the Rogue River flowing through, Blythefield boasts one of the most beautiful championship layouts in Michigan. Previously, Blythefield has hosted the 1953 Western Amateur, the 1961 Western Open, won by Arnold Palmer, and the 2005 Western Junior won by Rickie Fowler. In 2014, Blythefield hosted the inaugural Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft. Learn more about Blythefield Country Club at www.blythefieldcc.org/.
About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association):
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members representing more than 30 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.lpga.com, www.facebook.com/LPGA,www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/user/lpgavideo.
About Octagon Global Events:
Octagon Global Events is a division of Octagon, the world’s largest sports and entertainment representation and marketing agency. Octagon Global Events focuses on premium event/property management, providing strategic corporate solutions. The division currently manages two Champions Tour events, two LPGA Tour events and the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. For more information, visit http://www.octagonglobalevents.com/.
Contact:
Christina Fecher
christina.fecher@meijer.com
616-735-7968
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Source: Meijer