The PGA of America and Whirlpool Corporation donate $150,000 to continue funding scholarships that support Lake Michigan College students looking to further their education

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Benton Harbor, Michigan (May 22, 2024) - This morning at Harbor Shores, during the annual Host Communities Breakfast at the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, the PGA of America and Whirlpool Corporation announced that the Jack and Barbara Nicklaus KitchenAid Senior PGA Champions for Change Scholarship Program will continue to be funded for the next five years, thanks to a $150,000 donation by the organizations. 

The scholarships are part of Lake Michigan College’s “Start to Finish” program which provides support to college students. The funds are given to a member of the Benton Harbor community who has graduated with an Associate degree from Lake Michigan College. Since 2018, the scholarship has provided $25,000 annually to students at the college who are continuing on with a Bachelor or technical degree. 

“We are so proud of our 13-year partnership with the PGA of America and all that we’ve accomplished together, especially in our community,” said Pam Klyn, executive vice president of corporate relations and sustainability for Whirlpool Corporation. “Even though this is the final year of the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship here at Harbor Shores, we know this scholarship has a big impact and we are thrilled it will be continued through 2029 in order to help future leaders in our community achieve their academic dreams.”

During the breakfast, the PGA of America and Whirlpool Corporation also presented $10,000 to The First Tee of Benton Harbor as a result of the two Pro-Ams that were conducted at Harbor Shores on Tuesday, May 21. 

“The PGA of America has immense pride in the impact this Championship has had on the local community,” said Brandon Haney, championship director for the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. “At this morning’s breakfast, and over the years, we’ve also made significant contributions to important organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, The First Tee of Benton Harbor, Benton Harbor Promise, The Benton Harbor High School Athletic Dept and other youth organizations like the Curious Kids Museum and the YMCA of Greater Michiana.”

Continued Haney, “I really can’t think of a better way to kick off this year’s Championship than by announcing local community support and impact that will extend far beyond the event.” 

The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, the most historic and prestigious Major Championship in senior golf, will be contested May 23-26, 2024 and broadcast on Golf Channel and NBC. The action can also be taken in through srpgachampionship.com and by following @seniorpgachamp on Facebook, Instagram and X.

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ABOUT THE KITCHENAID SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship was born in 1937 on the grounds of Augusta National Golf Club. Since then, famed champions such as Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, Raymond Floyd and Colin Montgomerie have hoisted the Alfred S. Bourne Trophy. This Championship is the oldest of the five major championships in men's senior golf, is administered by the PGA of America and is recognized as a major championship by both PGA Tour Champions and the European Senior Tour. The lower age limit is 50, which is the standard limit for men's senior professional golf tournaments. Winners gain entry into the next PGA Championship. KitchenAid has been the lead Championship sponsor since 2011, bringing the Championship to Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan every other year. To learn more, follow the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship on Instagram, X or Facebook, or visit https://www.srpga.com. 

ABOUT THE START TO FINISH PROGRAM
The Lake Michigan Community College Start to Finish Program is a highly successful initiative that continues to thrive as a student support program targeting Benton Harbor Promise Zone students. Start to Finish provides mentorship, coaching, academic advising, career counseling, supplemental education and transportation services for each student. Since offering Start to Finish in 2012, course completion, GPA, class attendance and graduation rates have increased significantly.

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Katelyn Persaud

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