Defending LPGA ShopRite Classic Champion Recognized for Superstorm Sandy Donation

In the days following Superstorm Sandy, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Southern Chapter received many donations, but few were bigger than the one from professional golfer Stacy Lewis.

Lewis quietly to the food bank, based in Egg Harbor Township. On Monday, May 6, the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce showed its appreciation for her in a public way.

Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce Chairman Sam Young presented Lewis with the a Community Hero Award for her contribution. Galloway Councilwoman Whitney Ullman and Councilman Jim McElwee presented Lewis with a plaque declaring May 6 “Stacy Lewis Day.”

“She stepped up and we truly appreciate it,” Young said during Monday’s Media Day for this year’s ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer at the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Resort. “And we thank the LPGA for bringing the tournament back down here. It’s an important component of our community.”

This year’s tournament takes place May 31-June 2 on the Seaview’s Bay Course.

Lewis’ victory in last year’s ShopRite LPGA Classic catapulted her to No. 3 in the worldwide rankings, and to the spot as the top-ranked American golfer in the world at the time.

Since then, Lewis was named the Player of the Year for 2012, and has won several other tournaments. She’s recognized as one of the top two golfers in the world, and was ranked No. 1 for four weeks earlier this year.

When Superstorm Sandy hit the area on Oct. 29, Lewis was playing in Japan, but her at least part of her attention was focused on Atlantic City.

“I was watching everything happen on TV, with them talking about the boardwalk and everything, and I remember walking around down here,” Lewis said. “I just couldn’t imagine being there. Part of me wanted to come down here and volunteer, but I couldn’t do that because I was on the other side of the world.”

Lewis knew the Food Bank would need help delivering food and supplies to those in need. She felt a contribution would make the most sense at that point.

“They were excited about my donation, and it was great to know that I could make an impact down here.”

“We received a lot of contributions, but this was the largest contribution we received in one hit,” Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Southern Chapter Executive Director Margie Barham said. “We heard from her within days of the hurricane.”

Lewis' donation went to the Hurricane Relief Fund to be dispersed to hurricane victims throughout the region, Barham said.

Lewis didn’t make her contribution for publicity, or for the accolades she received on Monday.

“These communities are our home, even if they’re our home for just a couple weeks,” Lewis said. “I wanted to do something to say thank you for supporting the tour and do something to help people get back on their feet.”

“We felt any kind of publicity would encourage other relief efforts,” LPGA Director of Media Communications Michael Scanlan said. “We want people to know our players still care about the communities even when they’re six months removed from the tournament and on the other side of the world.”

“This act of generosity shows she’s not just a champion of tournament golf, but a champion in life,” McElwee said.

Monday was Lewis’ first trip to the area since she won the tournament last year. She and Scanlan weren’t able to see any of the sites that were impacted by Sandy, aside from the Seaview.

“I was on the eighth green this morning and the general manager told me that it was completely under water,” during the storm, Scanlan said.

They will get the chance to see more of the area later this month. Tournament Week begins on Monday, May 27 this year, and generally includes a number of personal appearances by LPGA players.

“Regardless of whether there was a storm, we would be excited to come back here,” Scanlan said. “We’re excited to come back and put on a good show.”