Bruinsma's selection earns the Meijer LPGA Classic's charity partner, Simply Give, a check for $10,000
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Nov. 15, 2018 – Ellen Bruinsma, chairperson of Volunteer Services for the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, has earned the inaugural XL Catlin Volunteer Service Award for exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism and going above and beyond expectations in her tournament role.
The award, presented by global (re) insurance leader XL Catlin, was established to honor deserving volunteers at each event during the LPGA Tour season. Every tournament week, a nominated volunteer receives a recognition plaque and his/her story of volunteerism is shared on LPGA.com and throughout LPGA and local media outlets.
One of those nominees is then selected at the end of the season to win $10,000, a sum that will go to the charity of the tournament which nominated the volunteer. In addition, that nominee will receive an LPGA prize package.
With Bruinsma winning the 2018 XL Catlin Volunteer Service Award, a check for $10,000 was handed over on Wednesday night to the Meijer LPGA Classic's charity partner, Simply Give - on the eve of this week's season-ending CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Fla.
"The XL Catlin LPGA Volunteer Award allowed us to tell the amazing stories of so many dedicated volunteers throughout the 2018 season," said Kelly Hyne, the LPGA's Chief Sales Officer. "We congratulate Ellen and thank XL Catlin for their partnership in benefiting the Meijer LPGA Classic’s charity partner Simply Give through this impactful program."
In nominating Bruinsma as the Meijer LPGA Classic's deserving volunteer for 2018, tournament director Taylor Gleghorn said: "Ellen has been the chairperson of Volunteer Services for all five years of the tournament. She is often the first face to all volunteers and she makes sure to welcome every volunteer with a smile. Ellen is a wonderful ambassador to the tournament, even when she's working the longest hours."
XL Catlin, a global company that provides insurance and reinsurance to clients in more than 215 countries, announced the launch of the season-long XL Catlin Volunteer Service Award in November last year when it became an Official Marketing Partner in the LPGA family.
"We are pleased to partner with the LPGA and to play our part in recognizing the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm shown by all the volunteers," said Greg Hendrick, CEO of AXA XL. "Often the unsung heroes, we are delighted to take this opportunity to celebrate the invaluable role they play and to support Simply Give in honor of Ellen Bruinsma and the Meijer LPGA Classic."