Golf Tourney Chooses Charity

GRAND RAPIDS — The Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation has announced My Sisters’ House will be the lead charity beneficiary of the 2003 Farmers Charity Classic golf tournament.

My Sisters’ House, operated by the Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids and located at 761 Bridge St. in a former convent, is a traditional housing program designed to help homeless single women get back on their feet and into better, more secure self-sufficient lives.

This program’s primary goal is to prepare the women to seek, secure and maintain independent housing upon graduation.

“This selection of My Sisters’ House emphasizes our commitment to community care giving in regards to the Farmers Charity Classic,” said Randy Joppie, president of the Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation. “It’s the impact on lives that matter most long after the golf tournament is done.”

In 17 years of existence, the Farmers Charity Classic has donated more than $3 million to West Michigan charities. This will be the first time My Sisters’ House has been a direct recipient of proceeds from the tournament to be played June 16-22 at Egypt Valley Country Club.

“This new relationship will bring added joy to the women and guests of My Sisters’ House by improving the quality of everyday life that is so important to each one of us,” said Susan Samples, development director of My Sisters’ House.

“The excitement of being involved with the 2003 Farmers Charity Classic provides a delightful addition to the holiday season.”

Alonda Miller, director of transitional housing for My Sisters’ House, knows the tangible impact that the tournament can have on the facility’s residents.

“There is an immediate need to remodel the kitchen and eating area of the house,” said Miller. “This will contribute a great amount to the existing community support we have for the project.”

Joppie noted that the association of a major golf tournament and transitional housing may appear unorthodox, but that it is the type of relationship between two nonprofit organizations that brings the charitable message home for everyone at the tournament.

“We sincerely thank everyone involved with the tournament, from the Grand Rapids Jaycees, corporate sponsors and ticket buyers to volunteers and media for their continued support and effort with West Michigan’s premier sporting event,” said Brian Clinger, chairman of the 2003 Farmers Charity Classic.

“Our goal in 2003 is to provide My Sisters’ House and other local charities the means with which to enjoy their endeavors and our tournament.”

For more information on sponsoring or volunteering for the 2003 Farmers Charity Classic, call 949-8412 or visit www.farmerscharityclassic.comJX