Hundreds of golfers from across the United States and abroad gathered in Southwest Michigan on August 3–4 for the 22nd annual Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event, raising more than $3.2m for youth organizations in Berrien County.
Spread across six golf courses — Harbor Shores, Point ‘o Woods, Hawkshead, Orchard Hills, Chikaming, and The Dunes Club — the two-day tournament drew 884 participants, the highest turnout in the event’s history. Alongside competitive play, attendees enjoyed a Fireside Chat featuring PGA Tour Champions golfer Justin Leonard and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, as well as a silent auction.
“For more than two decades, the Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event has brought hundreds of people to our community, and more importantly, profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of youth in our area,” said Pam Klyn, president of the Whirlpool Foundation. “Thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers, participants, and the generous donations from our sponsors, this event serves as the single largest fundraiser for vital youth organizations, enabling them to provide essential services and foster a brighter future for the young people of Berrien County.”
Since its inception, the tournament has raised more than $37m to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan, First Tee of Benton Harbor, and public school foundations in Benton Harbor, Lakeshore, and St. Joseph. Organizers estimate the annual fundraiser positively impacts 10,000 young people in the region each year.