The 22nd annual Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event, held this Sunday and Monday at multiple golf courses around Berrien County, has raised more than $3.2 million for five youth organizations in Southwest Michigan.
Whirlpool says 884 golfers participated across both days, a record number. The proceeds from the event all go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan, First Tee of Benton Harbor, and the local public school foundations of Benton Harbor, Lakeshore, and St. Joseph.
Boys and Girls Club CEO Alloyd Blackmon tells us the funding the organization receives as a result of the golf outing helps prepare local youth for the future.
“We have character and leadership programs,” Blackmon said. “We have a Torch Club and a Keystone. Those individuals basically are, as we like to say, our next generation of leaders, and how do we help develop them to be the best leaders that they possibly can be?”
Over 22 years of the golf outing, more than $37 million has been raised for the five benefitting organizations. Blackmon says the fact that Whirlpool does this shows the company is committed to the community.
“It speaks volumes about the type of organization that Whirlpool is, that it really wants to be a truly good partner for the community. And it does this every year.”
In addition to golf, attendees were able to attend a Fireside Chat with PGA Tour Champions golfer Justin Leonard and former Detroit Lion and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. Plus, a silent auction was held.
Whirlpool Foundation President Pam Klyn says thanks to the help of volunteers, golfers, and donors, the event is the single largest fundraiser for the youth organizations.
