2018 Meijer LPGA Classic Champion Donates Portion of Winnings to Simply Give

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in tournament history, the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give champion donated a portion of her winnings back to the retailer's Simply Give program.

Tournament representatives and So Yeon Ryu from the Republic of Korea today announced the $100,000 donation to the program that stocks the shelves of the retailer's food pantry partners across the Midwest.

"On Pro-am day, I was joined with the CEO of Meijer and had a chance to learn more about the Simply Give program," Ryu said. "I decided to donate to the program if I win this tournament, and that became my motivation. I am very happy that I could keep the promise to myself."

A crowd of enthusiastic fans braved the steamy weather and lined the ropes at Blythefield Country Club June 12-17 to watch a competitive field of 144 world-class golfers play 72 holes of stroke play. Ultimately, Ryu shot 21 under par in the final round to claim the title as Meijer LPGA Classic champion.

Ryu won $300,000 from the $2 million purse, which is shared among the Top 10 players.

"Thanks to So Yeon Ryu's generosity, the impact of the Meijer LPGA Classic is extended to additional hungry neighbors in the communities we serve," said Rick Keyes, Meijer President & CEO. "I had the opportunity to spend time with her during tournament week and explain the importance of the Simply Give program. We're thankful at just how much she appreciates, and supports, what our tournament is trying to accomplish."

The 2018 Meijer LPGA Classic was the fifth annual tournament benefiting the Meijer Simply Give program. Together with Ryu's donation, the five tournaments have generated $4.3 million for food pantries across the Midwest to feed hungry neighbors.

The 2019 Meijer LPGA Classic will return to Blythefield Country Club from June 11-16.

Meijer started Simply Give in November 2008 and has since generated more than $43 million for its food pantry partners.

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