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GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – Over $183,000 will help fund charitable efforts in West Michigan as a result of the 2004 Farmers Charity Classic Tournament, the Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation announced today. The donation is a combination of tournament proceeds and funds from other contributing organizations affiliated with the 2004 Farmers Charity Classic. Members of the Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation and Jaycees, along with representatives of Farmers Insurance Group, presented checks to representatives of The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan, In The Image, D.A. Blodgett’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, and Zeeland Community Hospital Foundation, in ceremonies at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

“We are delighted with the charitable contribution level achieved by this year’s Farmers Charity Classic. The tournament demonstrates the commitment of West Michigan and the Grand Rapids Jaycees to enhance quality of life through charitable endeavors,” said Catherine A. Prein, President of the Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation.

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies became the Title Sponsor of the tournament in 2001 after their acquisition of the Foremost Insurance Group of companies. Foremost had sponsored the event since 1999. Together Farmers and Foremost have been proud to sponsor the tournament for six years, helping to raise money for local charities. "During our six year involvement with the tournament, we saw first hand what we've always known - that the people and the businesses in the West Michigan area are extremely generous," said Jack Hannigan, Chief Marketing Officer, Independent Agency Operations, adding that "It has been a pleasure to work with the many business sponsors and community members who helped make each tournament a success. We can all be proud of the positive impact we've had on people's lives."

The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan was the 2004 Tournament’s Lead Charity and received $29,088. The funds resulted from hosting their annual golf outing on course during the week of the tournament and from a portion of the tournament proceeds. The funds will be used to refurbish the 14 year old Ronald McDonald House for use by families whose children are receiving care. “The tournament proceeds will be used to enhance the warmth and comfortable atmosphere for our guests. The impact of the Farmers Charity Classic will be felt for many years to come,” said Nancy Ney, Executive Director, The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan.

In The Image was the Primary Charity for the tournament and received $19,902. In The Image delivers furniture, appliances and housewares to families in need to assist them in their move from poverty to self- sufficiency. “We will use the funds raised to maintain our delivery trucks to continue to make 2,500 deliveries annually to worthy families,” said Paul Haagsman, In The Image.

D.A. Blodgett Services for Children and Families’ Big Brothers Big Sisters Program was the Featured Charity for the event. They were awarded a portion of the tournament earnings, and they also benefited by hosting their annual golf outing on the tournament course. “We take great pride in our superb partnership with the Farmers Charity Classic in the last three years as the Lead and Featured Charity. The funds have helped us renovate our Big Brothers Big Sisters facility, establishing a permanent headquarters for our community’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Not only that, but the tremendous public exposure from what is West Michigan’s premier sporting event has helped increase awareness of the need for more Big Brother Big Sister mentors. It has been an absolute joy working with the Jaycees’ organization and tournament staff, but more importantly, our successful relationship with the Farmers Charity Classic has helped us serve more disadvantaged children in need of Big Brother Big Sister volunteers,” said Sharon Loughridge, Executive Director of D.A. Blodgett Services for Children and Families. D.A. Blodgett received a check for $67,399 as the Featured Charity.

Zeeland Community Hospital Foundation’s involvement in the 2004 tournament will positively impact their community by contributing support to the Cardio Fitness Center. The Hospital Foundation received a check for $36,825. “We as a hospital are very excited to be a part of the Farmers Charity Classic. We feel that this is a wonderful sporting event for the Holland/Zeeland area and the proceeds from the event are making a real difference in the lives of people in our community” said Robert Dean, Executive Director of the Zeeland Community Hospital Foundation.

The Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation thanks West Michigan for supporting 19 years of Champions Tour golf that has raised more than $3.6 million for West Michigan charities. “The Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation remains committed to our charitable mission and continues to explore opportunities to maintain our charitable legacy,” said Prein.