GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A large summer event for Grand Rapids is rapidly approaching, and your help could be invaluable. The LPGA tour returns to Michigan this August at Blythefield Country Club and is looking for volunteers.

The event, which takes place Aug. 4-10, will need approximately 600 volunteers to work every aspect of the tournament from assisting the media to being a walking scorer on the course.

"We have been overwhelmed with the positive support we have received from the community already. Now we need to rally that support for one of the most essential parts of the tournament: the volunteers," said Lesley Baker, tournament director of the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft. "Volunteers are the heart and soul of the event, and you don't have to know or love golf to volunteer. The experience for our volunteers is priceless."

The volunteer fee is $55 and includes two official tournament golf shirts, tournament hat, a volunteer badge valid for weeklong tournament access and parking, four weekly grounds tickets for guests of the volunteer's choice, an invitation to the annual volunteer appreciation party, and meals and beverages during assigned shifts.

If you are interested in a leadership position for the week, please contact Colleen Lienesch at colleen.lienesch@octagon.com for possible opportunities.

The Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft will host a full-field of 144 players playing 72 holes of stroke play over four days of competition. With Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer as title sponsor, the driving mission of the Meijer LPGA Classic is focused on feeding the hungry and improving the quality of life within the region. The tournament will coincide with the retailer's Simply Give program, which has generated $8 million for food pantries in the communities it serves.

"This area has such passionate golf fans, and this tournament is a great way to get them engaged," Meijer President J.K. Symancyk said. "We are pleased to partner with the LPGA to continue our fundamental philosophy of strengthening the communities where our customers and team members work and live."

For more information on the tournament or to volunteer visit meijerlpgaclassic.com.

Contacts:

Lesley Baker, Tournament Director, Octagon
Lesley.Baker@octagon.com or 616-426-6225

Christina Fecher, Community Relations Specialist, Meijer 
Christina.Fecher@meijer.com 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 204 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, 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.meijer.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.official, 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 Champions Tour events, two LPGA Tour events and the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. For more information, visit http://www.octagonglobalevents.com.

SOURCE Meijer