September 23, 2008 - LPGA Members Help the Salvation Army in "Doing the Most Good"

The 2008 Navistar LPGA Classic brought more than just golf enthusiasts when it rolled into Prattville, Ala., September 22nd through 28th. Partnered with Athletes for Hope, a charitable organization that educates, encourages and assists professional athletes in doing charitable works, and The Salvation Army, the annual event also brought good cheer, kind words, and much-needed support to the lives of locals still recovering from this season's natural disasters.

Eleven LPGA members volunteered at The Salvation Army's Center for Hope Emergency Shelter on September 23rd. Electing to use their off-tournament time to give back to the community, the players helped serve dinner at the shelter, distributing warm meals and hugs.

Players Katie Futcher, Angela Stanford, Allison Hanna-Williams, Katherine Hull, Tat Sheily, Charlotte Mayorkas, and Patricia Meunier-Lebouc were some of the players who spent time "Doing The Most Good."

"It was a great experience! We all enjoyed it.," said Meunier-Lebouc. "[We] Spent about an hour and a half there to serve the dinners and then the director of the shelter and Major Patty Harris gave us a tour of the place and answered our questions."

The players were so impacted by the work of the Army and the shelter that they asked the Tournament to include the Salvation Army in the cities they select next year, Meunier-Lebouc added.

Those being served in the shelter weren't the only ones who would walk away affected by the experience. Player Charlotte Mayorkas found it both fulfilling and eye-opening.

"Prior to helping in the Montgomery Salvation Army, I wasn't very aware of what The Salvation Army does," she said. "After my volunteer experience, I was very impressed with the organization. They are a huge asset to helping people in the community who have gone through certain extreme hardships or struggles. [What the Army does is] Allowing them to realize they can get back on their feet with a little bit of help.

"I decided to join the Athletes for Hope/Salvation Army opportunity because every tournament we play in the local community gets involved in volunteering and helping make our LPGA events possible," Mayorkas continued. "As a player, [I'm] thankful for the opportunities I've been given to compete each week in a different city, [and] I wanted to help give back to the community and this was a perfect opportunity to get involved."

Montgomery, Ala., Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Patricia Harris was the coordinator for the event. "The ladies came with a smile and a willing heart," said Harris. "I know they had their minds set on their upcoming game, but I'm grateful to know that we still have individuals who think of others."

The shelters clients welcomed the guests, she shared. Many found having the golf pros there helpful in another, unexpected way: the men clients asked for tips and advice on their golfing skills, she said.

In addition to serving meals, some of the players helped to clean up afterwards and even took a few moments to sit among the clients and chat.

"The LPGA athletes were warm and friendly. They were grateful for the opportunity and willing to do what was asked of them," Harris said. "When others come out of their way to serve, it means a great deal to our clients. They feel special, not forgotten, and important for that moment."

LPGA athlete Meunier-Lebouc echoed that sentiment. "I hope that with the Salvation Army volunteering opportunity, that myself and the other LPGA players realize how important it is to give back to the community. That we all can help make a difference together." Lorena Ochoa went on to win the 2008 Navistar LPGA Classic, but Ivan Blumberg, CEO of Athletes for Hope, believes there were many winners this year.

"This was a rewarding experience for everyone involved. It gave the athletes the opportunity to connect with the local community while sharing in the spirit of giving with their teammates."

This was the first time that Athletes for Hope and The Salvation Army partnered. Since presenting to the LPGA earlier this year, Athletes for Hope knew that joining the LPGA players with the community service efforts of the Army would be a great initiative and are proud of the results.

"Given the hundreds of Salvation Army locations around the country, this partnership allows the players the opportunity to get involved in many cities and really make an impact on the road. This was a perfect example of two powerful organizations working together in a positive and meaningful way."