2017 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Raises $1 Million to Feed Hungry Families

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The fourth annual Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give concluded today with a win by Canadian LPGA Professional Brooke M. Henderson and a record donation of more than $1 million to the retailer’s Simply Give program that stocks the shelves of its food pantry partners across the Midwest.

“The Meijer LPGA Classic has an incredible impact on our hungry neighbors, and it’s thanks to the ongoing community support that we met our goal of raising at least $1 million during this year’s tournament,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. “We look forward to continuing this tradition again next year.”

The 2018 Meijer LPGA Classic will be held June 11-17 at Blythefield Country Club.

“On behalf of everyone at Meijer, we congratulate Brooke Henderson on a great win at the Meijer LPGA Classic,” said Cathy Cooper, Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. “Despite a few weather delays, it was a fantastic end to a wonderful week. This year’s tournament was once again fully embraced by the community.”

While final attendance figures are not yet available, representatives said the tournament continued to exceed expectations and will definitely meet the goal of raising at least $1 million for Simply Give.

In total, the four tournaments have generated more than $3.1 million — or 34.1 million meals – for the Meijer Simply Give program.

Meijer started Simply Give in November 2008 and has since generated more than $29 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 $1 million donation will be divided among the retailer’s 237 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 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 braved the weather and lined the ropes at Blythefield Country Club June 13-18 to watch a competitive field of 144 world-class golfers play 72 holes of stroke play. Ultimately, Henderson shot 3-under par in the final round to claim the title as Meijer LPGA Classic champion. She won the tournament by two strokes — over Lexi Thompson and Michelle Wie – with a four-round 17-under par total.

Henderson dedicated this tournament to her father, who also happens to be her coach.

“I’ve said this win is for him, but it really is for him because I really wouldn’t have done it without him,” she said. “To have my fourth win is just super exciting, and I’m excited for the summer now. Thank you to Meijer for putting on such a great event, and I’m excited to come back next year to defend my title.”