The Ally Challenge 2024: Where Golf, Giving, and Community Converge
Recap of The Ally Challenge Presented by McLaren: A Week of Golf, Music, and Community Impact
The 2024 Ally Challenge presented by McLaren, held from August 20th through August 25th, was a spectacular event that brought together the excitement of championship golf, lively entertainment, and a strong sense of community involvement. Hosted at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan, this year’s tournament was one for the books, showcasing not only top-tier golf but also highlighting the event's commitment to making a positive impact in the local area.
Women of Influence Luncheon: Empowering Women in Business
The week kicked off on Thursday with the much-anticipated Women of Influence Luncheon. Held from 12 to 2 p.m., this event has become a staple of the tournament, celebrated for its focus on the vital role women play in our business communities. Attendees were treated to a delicious lunch and beverages catered by Andiamo, while engaging in a powerful conversation with an impressive panel of women making significant strides both personally and professionally.
This year’s speakers included:
- Andrea Brimmer, Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer, Ally Financial
- Shannon Easter White, Owner and Founding Principal, FUNchitecture
- Linda Hubbard, President & CEO, Carhartt
- Marsha Oliver, Senior Vice President, Community & Public Engagement, PGA TOUR
- Laurie Prochazka, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, McLaren
- Shaunda Richardson-Snell, President, Mott Community College
- Jamie-Lee Venable, Vice President of Operations, United Way of Genesee County
Their insights and experiences provided valuable takeaways for all in attendance.
In addition to celebrating these influential women, the luncheon also put a spotlight on charity. Attendees were encouraged to bring donations of quality hygiene products to benefit YWCA Greater Flint. Those who donated at least two items received a free raffle ticket, adding a fun and charitable twist to the afternoon.
Tournament Play and Spectacular Entertainment
The tournament’s first round of play kicked off on Friday, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of golf. The day concluded with performances by local talent Niko Bokos and the iconic band Smash Mouth, adding a festive atmosphere to the evening.
Saturday brought the second day of tournament play, which ended on a high note with a stunning performance by country music star Thomas Rhett. The night sky lit up with a 100-piece drone show, leaving the audience in awe and making the evening truly unforgettable.
Championship Sunday and Community Engagement
Sunday marked the final round of the tournament, where golf fans witnessed the 2024 champion, Stewart Cink, secure his victory. My son, Ian, had the unique and memorable opportunity to serve as the standard bearer, walking alongside Cink throughout the day—a proud moment for our family!
A highlight of Sunday’s events was the gathering of 50 small businesses that participated in the Small Business Campaign, a grassroots marketing initiative organized by Behind Your Design. These businesses were invited to the Skybox on hole 17, where they enjoyed hospitality and networking opportunities.
The campaign aimed to engage small businesses from Frankenmuth to Rochester along the I-75 corridor, spreading the word about the tournament. Many of these businesses got creative with their involvement, using social media to promote the event, hanging posters, and distributing fun tournament-themed swag. One business even hosted a mini Ally Challenge putt-putt tournament, showcasing the enthusiasm and community spirit that this event inspires.
A Legacy of Giving Back
The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren is not just about golf and entertainment; it’s a crucial event for the local community. With over $7 million raised and awarded to date, the funds generated by the tournament have made a significant impact on numerous local charities. This ongoing commitment to giving back is what makes the Ally Challenge so special and why it’s vital to continue spreading the word about this incredible event.
As we look back on this year’s tournament, the excitement and sense of community remain strong. We’re already looking forward to what next year’s Ally Challenge will bring, confident that it will continue to be a highlight of the year for golf fans and the local community alike.
