2019 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Raises $1.1 Million to Feed Hungry Families
Brooke Henderson takes the win at the 6th annual tournament
Jun 16, 2019

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Despite a slow start due to heavy rains, the sixth annual Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give concluded today with a win by Canada’s Brooke Henderson and a donation commitment of $1.1 million to the retailer’s Simply Give program that stocks the shelves of its food pantry partners across the Midwest. Henderson was the tournament’s 2017 champion.

“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 that kept us on our toes thanks to Mother Nature.”

The 2019 Meijer LPGA Classic was the sixth annual tournament benefiting the Meijer Simply Give program. Together, the six tournaments have generated $5.2 million for food pantries across the Midwest to feed hungry neighbors.

“On behalf of everyone at Meijer, we congratulate two-time Meijer LPGA Classic Champion Brooke Henderson,” said Cathy Cooper, Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. “This year’s tournament was once again fully embraced by the community, and we couldn’t be more pleased.”

Meijer started Simply Give in November 2008 and has since generated nearly $49 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 246 food pantry partners participating in the spring Simply Give campaign, which ended today.

“There are hard-working people in our community who cannot afford to buy fresh fruits and vegetables for their children. They’re forced to make difficult choices every day,” said Claire Guisfredi, Executive Director of North Kent Connect. “Because of the Meijer Simply Give program, we can ease the burden of our working families and seniors. We can provide healthy, wholesome fresh fruits and vegetables so our clients and children can get the proper nutrition they need to succeed in school and in life. Thank you, Meijer, for this gift that has a ripple effect across the entire community.”

A crowd of enthusiastic fans braved the rainy, overcast skies and lined the ropes at Blythefield Country Club June 11-16 to watch a competitive field of 144 world-class golfers play 72 holes of stroke play. Ultimately, Brooke Henderson shot 21 under par to claim the title as Meijer LPGA Classic champion. It’s the second time she won the Meijer LPGA Classic on Father’s Day.

“It’s really special. I’m so happy that both my mom and my dad can be out here to watch my sister and I win this. It’s always special when they’re here, especially on Father’s Day,” said Henderson following the tournament. “I think it's so important and congratulations to Meijer for all the amazing work that they have done, and the amount of money that they've raised, like $48 million over the last years, it's just incredible. To be a small part of that with the LPGA Tour girls and make sure we're helping out in the community just a little bit, and they're taking huge steps to try to improve the community and help people in it, I think it's just incredible and I'm just happy to be a part of it.”

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, #MeijerGives and #OutDriveHunger.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 245 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