Michigan Golf Journal May 2019

The 2018 tournament also raised $1.1 million for local food pantries through Simply Give, the program that restocks the shelves of food pantries across the Midwest. In total, the first five annual tournaments have generated more than $4.2 million for the Meijer Simply Give program. The Grand Taste: A main draw to Blythefield Country Club, June 14-16, is the feast around the centerpiece – the fan hospitality program called Grand Taste – which expanded to two huge on-course venues last year because of its popularity with fans. Grand Taste doesn’t require a private invitation to a corporate hospitality tent. Anyone in the general public can purchase a daily ticket for $40 (or half that for students age 13-17). That ticket is good for any-one- day grounds access to the tournament, and all the food you can eat and craft brews or wines adults want to sample, from the dozens of participating local vendors. We’re talking prime rib, BBQ meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, stir-fries, fish and seafood, potatoes, ice cream and an endless supply of other treats and refreshments. Tournament officials will roll out a sustainability program at the Grand Taste and Grand Taste Garden this year that is expected to divert more than 95 percent of its waste to recycling or compos – and as always, all remaining food will be donated to local food pantries. 5K Run and Walk: The Meijer LPGA Classic 5k Run & Walk presented by Kellogg’s® will return for tournament week as an official 5K, giving runners the opportunity to use their times to qualify for other USA Track & Field (USATF) events. A kids’ fun run (ages 10 and under) of a half mile is also part of the event. “The great thing about our race is you don’t have to be a professional athlete to take part in it,” said Cathy Cooper, Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give . “It’s a great way to get the entire family involved in a healthy lifestyle all while helping feed those in need.” More information for all tournament options at: www.meijerlpgaclassic.com. 9 May 2019 www.michigangolfjournal.com