Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Adds New Pro-Am Event for Veterans
New partnership with Eisenhower Center will feature 20 women veterans playing with LPGA players
May 21, 2019

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Officials with the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give announced today the addition of the Meijer LPGA Classic Veterans Pro-Am Presented by Eisenhower Center on June 10 at Blythefield Country Club.

Eisenhower Center is a rehabilitation center with three locations in Michigan primarily focused on helping individuals with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, substance abuse concerns, and dual diagnosis. Many of their clients are military veterans.

“The Meijer LPGA Classic is about the community coming together to care for others in need, and we are very pleased to partner with an organization like the Eisenhower Center to help feed our hungry neighbors,” said Cathy Cooper, Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. “The Veterans Pro-Am will be a fun new addition to tournament week that we look forward to continuing year after year.”

Through the Eisenhower Center, 20 women veterans will be invited to play alongside the best female golfers in the world. The teams will consist of one LPGA Tour Professional, a woman veteran, and three amateurs.

“Our purpose, to raise awareness of the health needs of military veterans, particularly women veterans, our mission in providing treatment to those who have given so much to us through service to our country, our philosophy of quiet strength and the work of Meijer through its charitable Simply Give efforts blend together perfectly,” said John Cornack, CEO of Eisenhower. “Meijer and the LPGA are like us in many ways, and like Hope Network and Mackinac Island in many ways, centered on community, and impacting lives, including veterans, and in turn making Michigan better for all concerned.”

The 2019 Meijer LPGA Classic will host a full field of 144 of the best women golfers for 72 holes of stroke play over four days of competition. Proceeds from the tournament – and each of the week’s festivities – will once again benefit the Meijer Simply Give program that restocks the shelves of food pantries across the Midwest. The 2018 tournament alone raised $1.1 million for local food pantries through Simply Give. In total, the five tournaments have generated more than $4.2 million for the Meijer Simply Give program.

The spring Simply Give campaign is underway and runs through the end of the tournament on June 16. Individuals may purchase a $10 Simply Give donation card at any Meijer store during that timeframe to support the store’s local food pantry partner.

To follow the Meijer LPGA Classic before, during and after tournament week, please post about your experience and share your pictures on social media using the hashtags #OutDriveHunger, #forehunger, #SimplyGive and #MeijerGives.

For more information on the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give or to volunteer or purchase tickets, please visit meijerLPGAclassic.com.

To view a highlight video featuring the 2018 Meijer LPGA Classic, please follow this link: https://youtu.be/VWVpmCAe5LQ.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 240 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer has a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves 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 www.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. Beginning in 2014, Blythefield is honored to host the Meijer LPGA Classic. Learn more about Blythefield Country Club at www.blythefieldcc.org.

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For further information: Christina Fecher, 616-540-6108, Christina.Fecher@meijer.com