ShopRite held its annual LPGA Classic Presented by Acer June 6-8, awarding a record $1.8 million in grants to food banks, hospitals and other charitable organizations.
Leading into the weekend tournament, ShopRite’s annual charitable luncheon June 6 introduced new initiatives that included a scholarship program, more sponsorships for athletes on the LPGA Tour and a TeamSmile dental care clinic that helped 142 local children.
The event also recognized the community champions who fight hunger, help families in need and invest in research for the treatment of life-altering diseases. Representatives from nearly 50 regional nonprofits accepted grants during the luncheon.
Special guest speakers included Loree Jones, CEO of Philabundance; Scott Hennis, CEO of The Arc of Atlantic County; and Jim Dorey, president of Inserra Supermarkets, a fourth-generation family business that operates 23 ShopRites and two Price Rite Marketplace stores in New Jersey and New York.
“The annual ShopRite charitable luncheon remains one of the most meaningful traditions of our LPGA partnership, giving us the opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations driving positive change across our communities,” said Karen Meleta, chief communications officer for Wakefern Food Corp., the supermarket cooperative and merchandising and distribution arm for ShopRite stores.
“We donated a record $1.8 million in 2025 and nearly $45 million through our support of the LPGA over the years – funding that has been a game changer for so many organizations doing good in the community.”
The ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer was held at the Seaview Bay Course in Galloway, New Jersey. Tournament officials also announced an expanded, multi-year partnership with the grocer that includes new incentives to help athletes with the costs often associated with competition and other programs to help young people.
ShopRite created “Team ShopRite” this year to support and sponsor five golfers on the LPGA circuit. ShopRite also teamed up with the nonprofit First Tee to provide college scholarships to 12 high school athletes representing nine First Tee chapters.
First Tee, which uses golf to teach life skills and foster educational opportunities in under-resourced communities, worked with the ShopRite LPGA Classic to select the scholarship recipients.
The recipients participated in a golf clinic, competed in a nine-hole skills competition and attended the awards ceremony June 8 with tournament winner Jennifer Kupcho, who claimed her fourth LPGA Tour event with a birdie on the final hole.
“We want to create a lasting impact by giving back to the community and supporting women’s sports. The ShopRite LPGA Classic is the perfect platform for us to do that, and we are so excited to expand our partnership to make this premiere event even better with new initiatives and new ways to support the athletes and the community,” said Wakefern President Mike Stigers.
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And for the first time at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, ShopRite collaborated with Colgate-Palmolive through its Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures and TeamSmile to bring dental care and oral health education to underserved children.
On June 6, a one-day clinic at the tournament provided children with free oral exams, on-site treatment and the opportunity to meet LPGA players.
“We believe in the power of sport to create positive change, and ShopRite and Wakefern’s unwavering support plays a crucial role in our mission to give back,” said Jeremy Friedman, media director for the ShopRite LPGA Classic. “We’re proud to partner with them as the longest-standing title sponsor on the LPGA Tour.”
