Grand Taste at the Meijer LPGA Classic to Feature Celebrity Chefs

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give continues to enhance its inaugural Grand Taste at the Meijer LPGA Classic event with the addition of three celebrity chef experiences. Celebrity Chefs Dean Fearing, Carla Hall and Marcus Samuelsson will host individual culinary experiences June 17-19 at Blythefield Country Club.

"One of the best things about this event is that it's not just a golf event – there is literally something for everyone," Meijer Co-Chairman Doug Meijer said. "We are thrilled to bring three culinary experts to the table and combine some of West Michigan's finest cuisine with an unforgettable experience for our guests."

Each iconic chef will host their own exclusive experience that will include live cooking demonstrations, food tastings and local restaurant partners.

A Night with Dean Fearing
Friday, June 17 – Blythefield Country Club
6:30-9:30 p.m.

Creator of Fearing's Restaurant and author of "The Texas Food Bible," Chef Dean Fearing is renowned for the "Elevated American Cuisine – Bold Flavors, No Borders" of his award-winning Fearing's Restaurant in Dallas. Long known as the "Father of Southwestern Cuisine," Fearing spent his life cooking for people who love good food.

An Evening with Carla Hall
Saturday, June 18 – Blythefield Country Club
6:30-9:30 p.m.  

Carla Hall is a co-host of ABC's popular lifestyle series "The Chew;" although she is best known as a competitor on Bravo's "Top Chef," where she won over audiences with her fun catch phrase, "Hootie Hoo," and her philosophy to always cook with love. Hall's Southern Kitchen — the chef's first restaurant — opened in NYC in late 2015. A fast-casual love letter to Nashville, the restaurant features iconic Nashville Hot Chicken and southern sides, anchored by Hall's family recipes and perfected with her personal touches. 

Father's Day Brunch with Marcus Samuelsson
Sunday, June 19 – Blythefield Country Club
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Marcus Samuelsson is the acclaimed chef behind Red Rooster Harlem, Ginny's Supper Club, and Streetbird Rotisserie. A committed philanthropist, and the youngest person to ever receive a three-star review from The New York Times, Samuelsson has won multiple James Beard Foundation Awards, including Best Chef: New York City, and was tasked with planning and executing the Obama Administration's first State dinner. Samuelsson was also crowned champion of television shows "Top Chef Masters" and "Chopped All Stars," and served as a mentor on ABC's "The Taste."

Tickets to each event cost $50 per person, and are available to purchase online at meijerLPGAclassic.com. Tickets are limited. 

The 2016 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give will host a full field of 144 players, playing 72 holes of stroke play over four days of competition. The driving mission of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is to focus on feeding the hungry, and improving the quality of life within the region. The tournament coincides with the retailer's Simply Give program, which has generated more than $21 million since 2008 for food pantries in the communities it serves.

Similar to last year, proceeds from the tournament – and each of the week's festivities – will benefit the Meijer Simply Give program that restocks the shelves of food pantries throughout the Midwest. The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give has raised more than $1.3 million for the Simply Give program.

Contacts:

Lesley Baker, Tournament Director, Octagon
[email protected] or 616-426-6225

Christina Fecher, Public Relations Manager, Meijer
[email protected] or 616-735-7968

About Meijer Simply Give
Meijer is a family-owned retailer based in Grand Rapids, Mich. with a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves. Meijer operates 223 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin, 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.

About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world's leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members representing more than 30 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/LPGA, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

About Octagon Global Events
Octagon Global Events is a division of Octagon, the world's largest sports and entertainment representation and marketing agency. Octagon Global Events focuses on premium event/property management, providing strategic corporate solutions. The division currently manages two PGA TOUR Champions events, three LPGA Tour events, three culinary events, and the Toyota Texas Fest. For more information, visit http://www.octagonglobalevents.com.

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