Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Needs 900 Volunteers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is looking for more volunteers than ever to support its tournament that was recently named the Best Family Experience on the LPGA Tour.

Tournament officials opened volunteer registration today with a "Refer a Friend" program to secure 900 volunteers for the sixth annual tournament, held June 10-16 at Blythefield Country Club.

All returning volunteers will be eligible for a $20 Meijer gift card when they refer a friend who did not volunteer during the 2018 tournament. The referred friend must work a minimum of three shifts for the returning volunteer to receive the gift card, which will be distributed after the last volunteer shift. There is a limit of one gift card per returning volunteer.

"The Meijer LPGA Classic is a family event that the entire community can enjoy. As we head into our sixth year, we want to continue to build upon the momentum that has deemed our tournament one of the premier events on the Tour," said Cathy Cooper, Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. "And that means we need even more volunteers. We believe the Refer A Friend program will help us put on another successful event."

The Meijer LPGA Classic is seeking 900 volunteers to fill roles on 28 different committees, ranging from marshals and standard bearers to transportation and assisting inside the media center.

New committees this year include a General Volunteer position, which will give volunteers the opportunity to experience different aspects of the event. Previous volunteers have expressed the desire to volunteer but didn't know which committee join. This committee gives them the opportunity to try many areas and see where they fit best. To sign up for the General Volunteer position, the volunteer will only need to select a time slot. Once onsite, Volunteer Services will direct the volunteer to a location that needs assistance.

Discovery Land was a new addition in 2018 and quickly became a destination for kids and families. It will again be in a prime location near the Grand Taste Garden and give young fans the opportunity to participate in many hands-on experiences and fun activities throughout the week. But, more volunteers are needed for this area.

"Each year, the support the Meijer LPGA Classic receives from the players, community and our dedicated volunteers, is incredible," Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. "We look forward to bringing another fun week of events and competitive golf to the community."

Volunteers are encouraged to register early since committees and shift times are filled on a first come, first served basis. 

The volunteer fee is $55, and includes two official tournament golf shirts, one official tournament hat or visor, four weekly grounds passes for friends or family, one volunteer appreciation party invitation, and meals and beverages during scheduled shifts. The volunteer badge is valid as a grounds pass, as well as provides access to the Grand Taste and parking for tournament week.

Meijer Team Member Charlie Mollien has enjoyed volunteering for the tournament the past 2 years in transportation and at Grand Taste.

"This event is important to Meijer, a ton of fun, and is a great way to raise money for Simply Give," he said. "I enjoy volunteering because it's another way to give back to the community."

The 2019 Meijer LPGA Classic will host a full field of 144 of the best women 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 2018 tournament alone raised $1.1 million for local food pantries through Simply Give. In total, the five tournaments have generated more than $4.2 million for the Meijer Simply Give program.

For more information on the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give or to volunteer, please visit meijerLPGAclassic.com.

For full details on the Meijer Refer a Friend Program, visit meijerlpgaclassic.com/volunteers/

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 240 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.

SOURCE Meijer

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