Tucked between the 13th and 14th holes of a world-renowned, Jack Nicklaus golf course, North Pier Brewing decided two years ago that it only made sense to host a golf outing. Soon after, Jay, the brewery’s owner, learned about Feeding America West Michigan’s Hops Against Hunger campaign and was eager to turn the Big Hole Golf Outing into a fundraiser for the food bank.
This past September, the golf outing raised $3,065 for Feeding America West Michigan, which will help us provide 12,260 meals worth of food for those facing hunger. Golfers raised funds for the food bank by purchasing mulligans and crazy putts, sponsoring the event and shooting giant golf balls out of a cannon in exchange for a donation.
“Each year we try to think of fun ways to actually raise money, but also make sure our guests have a great time,” Jay said.
This year, 144 golfers showed up to swing their clubs at the event, fighting hunger at every hole. Their support means a lot in Berrien County, where North Pier is located. 1 in 7 neighbors in the county struggle with food insecurity, meaning they must often choose between paying for food and other necessities such as living expenses.
Feeding America West Michigan works with agency partners – like food pantries and soup kitchens – to distribute safe, surplus food to alleviate food insecurity throughout West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Supporters like North Pier Brewing ensure Feeding America West Michigan’s Berrien County agency partners can continue to provide neighbors with the food they need to thrive.