2018 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Raises $1.1 Million to Feed Hungry Families
So Yeon Ryu takes the win at the 5th annual tournament
Jun 17, 2018

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The fifth annual Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give concluded today with a win by So Yeon Ryu from the Republic of Korea and a record donation of $1.1 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 made an incredible impact on our hungry neighbors. Thanks to the ongoing support from our community, we exceeded our $1 million goal for this year’s tournament,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. “It was a meaningful end to a fun-filled week, which saw record-breaking attendance of more than 55,000 people.”

The 2018 Meijer LPGA Classic was the fifth annual tournament benefiting the Meijer Simply Give program. Together, the five tournaments have generated $4.2 million for food pantries across the Midwest to feed hungry neighbors.

“On behalf of everyone at Meijer, we congratulate So Yeon Ryu on a great win at the Meijer LPGA Classic,” said Cathy Cooper, Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. “This year’s tournament was once again fully embraced by the community, and we could not be more pleased.”

Meijer started Simply Give in November 2008 and has since generated more than $37 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 it a success.

The $1.1 million donation will be divided among the retailer’s 239 food pantry partners participating in the spring Simply Give campaign, which ended today.

“With the help of the Meijer LPGA Classic, the community and the Meijer Simply Give program, this helps keep our food pantry shelves stocked so that we are able to feed those who might not otherwise have any food on their table,” said Waverly Knight, Director of the Northwest Food Pantry. “It’s just awesome when the community comes together. Thank you to everyone.”

A crowd of enthusiastic fans braved the steamy weather and lined the ropes at Blythefield Country Club June 12-17 to watch a competitive field of 144 world-class golfers play 72 holes of stroke play. Ultimately, So Yeon Ryu from the Republic of Korea shot 21 under par in the final round to claim the title as Meijer LPGA Classic champion.

“Well, if I look back on my season, I wasn’t really satisfied with it and I’ve been really, really struggle,” Ryu said. “…And then finally I was able to find the last piece to put everything together, so it’s really, really meaningful to me.”

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 #forehunger, #SimplyGive and #MeijerGives.

About Meijer:

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 235 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.

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