When Jeremy Kirst, an avid golf fan from Grafton, Wis., found out about an opportunity to volunteer at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give 3 years ago, he packed his bags and headed around the lake to Michigan.
Bringing his family along with him, his 6-year-old son, Kenny, jumped into action when he found out that he could volunteer, too. Now 9 years old, Kenny and his dad have established a new family tradition they look forward to every year.
With an autograph-heavy hat and a smile on his face, Kenny helps with putting together the scoring signs and collecting golf balls for the players at the driving range at Blythefield Country Club. His favorite part, however, is meeting people. “I just like women’s golf,” the enthusiastic volunteer said.
The number of volunteers was up 25 percent this year from the 2022 tournament, and Kenny and his dad were just two of the record-breaking 1,321 volunteers, representing 15 different states.
Of the many who came out to support our Simply Give mission and watch great golf, 292 of the volunteers this year were our very own Meijer team members. Collectively, the Meijer team clocked in a total of 1,709 hours of volunteer time last week – an average of about six hours per team member!
Team Member Suzie Anderson, a General Merchandiser at the Rockford, Mich. store, volunteered at the Meijer LPGA for the first time – serving in the hospitality suites and as a third hole marshal. For her, being a part of the Simply Give cause and rubbing shoulders with spectators was enough to come again.
“I love that we get to make donations so no one goes hungry,” Suzie explained. “I know exactly where I want to be and what I want to do next year.”
Our commitment to community is reflected in volunteers like Jeremy, Kenny and Suzie. We couldn’t do it without them and the hundreds of our other volunteers from far and wide.