More than $3 million has been raised for Berrien County youth with the 21st Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event, held on Sunday and Monday.
The event attracted more than 800 golfers who played rounds on six courses around Southwest Michigan. Whirlpool’s Pam Klyn tells us it raised a total of $3.2 million for the Boys the Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan, First Tee of Benton Harbor, and the local public school foundations in Benton Harbor, Lakeshore, and St. Joseph.
Klyn says those who take part find the golf event a privilege to support organizations that help young people build a better future.
“This brings repeat attendees year over year once companies buy these sponsorships, show up and play in the event and they have a fantastic time,” Klyn said. “They get to play some incredible courses. They’ve gotten to know more Whirlpool people through this and they see the impact we have. They hear from the kids first hand. We have kids from Boys and Girls Club, kids from First Tee who come and speak to this audience.”
In addition to golf, attendees were able to take part in a Fireside Chat with NFL Hall of Famer Charles Woodson and PGA Champions Tour player Jay Haas, and a silent auction was held. Klyn says the money raised at the golf event comes from registration fees, the auction, donations, and fun features like allowing players a mulligan on a shot for $20.
In its 21 years, the Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event has raised more than $34 million for youth in Berrien County.
