2021 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Raises $1.1 Million to Feed Families in Need
Nelly Korda wins tournament plus surprise $25,000 donation to hunger relief organization of her choice
Jun 20, 2021

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Following a year of challenges that cancelled the 2020 tournament, officials with the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give proudly named Nelly Korda its 2021 champion.

Tournament officials also announced a donation of $1.1 million to the retailer’s Simply Give program that stocks the shelves of its food pantry partners across the Midwest, as well as a $25,000 donation to a hunger relief program in a town of Korda’s choice.

“The Meijer LPGA Classic returned this year stronger than ever. Thanks to the ongoing support from our community, we exceeded our $1 million goal for this year’s tournament, which will make a big impact on hunger relief across the Midwest,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. “Seeing our community come together in person for the first time in more than a year to rally around feeding our neighbors made the event even more meaningful.”

The 2021 Meijer LPGA Classic was the seventh tournament benefiting the Meijer Simply Give program after last year’s tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic. In 2020, Meijer matched the amount raised by the 2019 event and made a $1.1 million donation on behalf of the cancelled tournament. In total, the Meijer LPGA Classic has generated $7.4 million for food pantries across the Midwest to feed hungry neighbors.

“On behalf of everyone at Meijer, we congratulate Meijer LPGA Classic Champion Nelly Korda,” said Cathy Cooper, Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. “After seeing the effects of the pandemic on those facing food insecurity worldwide, we are excited to start a new tradition this year by donating $25,000 to a hunger relief organization in a town of her choice.”

Meijer started Simply Give in November 2008 and has since generated more than $65 million for its food pantry partners. The contributions resulting from 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 it a success.

The $1.1 million donation will be divided among the retailer’s 252 food pantry partners participating in the spring Simply Give campaign, which ended today.

“The past year has been extremely difficult for many families in our community, especially those families who are experiencing homelessness,” said Dan Skoglund, Executive Director of Muskegon Rescue Mission. “We have seen an increase in families reaching out for assistance with their basic needs for life, such as food. Because of our partnership with Meijer through the Simply Give program, we have been able to meet the needs of everyone who comes to our door.”

A crowd of enthusiastic spectators eager to watch professional athletes live and in-person came together at Blythefield Country Club June 17-20 to watch a competitive field of 144 world-class golfers play 72 holes of stroke play. Ultimately, Korda claimed the title as the 2021 Meijer LPGA Classic champion, shooting five under par on Sunday to reach 25 under for the tournament, matching the tournament 72-hole scoring record. This win makes Korda the first two-time winner on the LPGA tour this season.

“I love the fans,” Korda said. “I missed that so much throughout the past year and a half. On 17 they were really giving me a lot of confidence. They were screaming my name, telling me, ‘Let's go.’ When you get a crowd like that that’s on your side it feels good and puts a smile on your face.”

To follow the Meijer LPGA Classic before, during and after tournament week, check out the following hashtags: #ForeHunger and #MeijerCommunity.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 257 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.