GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is seeking 1,200 volunteers – its highest goal in 9 years – to support what is widely considered one of the best, full-scale events for families and foodies on the LPGA Tour.
Volunteer registration is now open for the 2023 tournament that will return June 15-18 at Blythefield Country Club to help feed hungry neighbors across the Midwest.
“Meijer started out as a grocer, so feeding people will always be at the core of what we do, and therefore, remains the heart of the Meijer LPGA Classic,” said Cathy Cooper, the tournament’s Executive Director. “We look forward to hosting another premier tournament while helping our communities reduce food insecurity, which we know is only possible thanks to the help of so many incredible volunteers.”
The Meijer LPGA Classic is seeking 1,200 volunteers to fill roles on 20 different committees, including Standard Bearers, Discovery Land, Transportation and full-scale Hospitality. The tournament will also include a “General Volunteer” position that gives volunteers the opportunity to experience different aspects of the event. To sign up for the General Volunteer position, the volunteer only needs to select a time slot and Volunteer Services will direct them to a location that needs assistance upon their arrival at the course. Volunteers are encouraged to register early since committees and shift times are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The fee to volunteer is $30, and includes two official tournament golf shirts, one official tournament hat or visor, four weekly grounds passes for friends or family, and meals and beverages during scheduled shifts. The volunteer badge also serves as a week-long grounds and parking pass.
“Having never volunteered at the tournament before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew I wanted to do it to support the cause of Simply Give,” said Brittany Huffman, a Meijer pharmacy team member, who served as a walking scorer at the 2022 event. “There were so many roles available and days and times to choose from so it was easy to find something that interested me.”
Huffman had actively volunteered for various causes and events in the past, but found that, with a family, it was getting more difficult to find the time. So, when her employer put out the call for volunteers, she jumped at the chance. Huffman, who is “not a golfer,” was initially nervous to play such a large role in the tournament, but she said the training process was simple and well organized. Plus, many of her fellow volunteers had been with the event since the beginning and were quick to show her the ropes.
The 2023 Meijer LPGA Classic will host a full field of 144 of the best female 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 2022 tournament raised a record-setting $1.25 million for local food pantries through Simply Give. In total, the eight tournaments combined have generated more than $8.65 million for the Meijer Simply Give hunger relief program. Additionally, in 2022, Meijer also donated $25,000 to a hunger relief organization of tournament Champion Jennifer Kupcho’s choice. She selected Grand Rapids-based Kids’ Food Basket as a thank you to her host family, who had ties to the organization.
For more information on the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give or to volunteer, please visit meijerLPGAclassic.com. For a taste of what it’s like to volunteer at the event, please check out this video. Follow the action and stay up-to-date on the latest tournament news by following #ForeHunger and #MeijerCommunity on social media.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 501 supercenters, neighborhood markets, Meijer Grocery and Express locations 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. The retailer’s other primary pillars of giving include Diversity & Inclusion, local giving, sustainability, and health and wellness. For additional information on Meijer community engagement efforts, 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.