One of my greatest joys while traveling the country as an LPGA employee to work tournaments was being able to see how each event impacted the communities in which they were held.
From charitable initiatives and junior clinics to outreach programs and player appearances, I was always awed by the impact the Tour stars were able to have in various cities on a weekly basis. It was an illustration of one of my favorite parts about the world of sports and professional athletes – the ability to make a difference in people’s lives.
I saw it on a regular basis on Tour and am happy to know that the association’s reach has only grown stronger in recent years. The LPGA’s direct conduits to local communities are often tournament sponsors, organizers, staff and even fans, and this week is an illustration of that in a big way.
The Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft may only be in its second year as a Tour stop, but it has already made huge waves in the Grand Rapids, Mich., community. Last year alone, the tournament was able to raise more than $600,000 for Meijer’s Simply Give program, which helps feed those in need in the Midwest by stocking food pantries in the areas the company serves.
That huge donation helped Meijer hit the $1.7 million mark for the program in 2015, and the retailer has raised more than $15.5 million through Simply Give since 2008. That money has kept hunger at bay for thousands of families throughout the Midwest, and any player will tell you that’s greater than any birdie ever recorded.
“Meijer and their initiative with Simply Give is incredibly impressive, having raised over $600,000 in last year’s tournament, and I know that they’re really hoping to one-up that this year,” said LPGA star and unofficial tournament ambassador Morgan Pressel. “So, it’s great to be a part of this week. It’s a lot more than just about golf this week.”
The Simply Give program is just one way in which Meijer and tournament organizers are making the week unique and special for everyone involved. In addition to a top-notch $2.0 million event at Blythefield Country Club, tournament week features a number of interesting ancillary events.
Those included a celebrity pro-am at Egypt Valley Country Club on Tuesday, a three-day junior clinic presented by Johnson & Johnson that runs Thursday through Saturday, the Meijer LPGA Celebrity Chef Cookoff presented by Kraft on Friday and the Meijer LPGA 5K Run & Walk presented by Kellogg’s on Saturday. And if that isn’t enough to keep everyone having fun and being entertained, tournament week also includes the Meijer LPGA Community Concert presented by General Mills at Van Andel Arena on Saturday night featuring the popular band OneRepublic.
Simply put, that’s one heck of a week, and this is just one event on the Tour’s 2015 schedule!
Most fans don’t realize the number of great ancillary events that are put together as part of an LPGA event’s tournament week, and this week in Michigan is a prime example of how energizing it can be to a community to have the Tour come to town.
Don’t believe me? Then just check out this video and try not to smile.
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