The Ally Challenge 2024: Where Golf, Giving, and Community Converge

September 2, 2024

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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Smart Marketing Within Budget: How We Helped Alive & Well Choose the Right Promotional Pieces

By Chelsea Mills • March 11, 2026

How Alive & Well IV Therapy found the right marketing pieces to reach their audience while staying on budget.

From a New Website to a Grand Opening: Supporting the Growth of Superior Lawn & Landscape

March 9, 2026

At Behind Your Design, we enjoy partnering with businesses that are passionate about what they do. That is exactly what we found while working with Superior Lawn & Landscape. From launching a new website to developing branded merchandise and planning a grand opening celebration, this project focused on supporting the continued growth of a company proud to serve its clients. A Website Designed to Reflect the Brand One of the first steps was creating a website that showcases the professionalism, experience, and range of services Superior Lawn & Landscape offers. The goal was to build a strong digital presence that clearly communicates the company’s capabilities while making it easy for potential clients to explore their services. Clean layouts, organized service pages, and strong visuals guide visitors through the site while highlighting the company’s landscaping expertise and portfolio. The website also incorporates content from clients and partners, allowing real voices and experiences to help tell the story of the brand.

Branding That Starts at the Door: The Power of Custom Mats

March 6, 2026

Custom branded floor mats are a simple yet effective way to strengthen your business’s brand while improving the functionality of your space. With customizable options from InStyle Mats, businesses can feature their logo, colors, or messaging directly at entrances, reception areas, or throughout their facility. High-definition printing allows detailed logos and graphics to appear crisp and professional, helping create a strong first impression for customers and visitors the moment they walk through the door.

Dry Bags Might Be the Smartest Spring & Summer Promo Item

March 6, 2026

When you're choosing a spring or summer promo item, the real question is simple: Will someone actually use this? If you live anywhere near lakes, boats, kayaks, camping, or summer travel, dry bags are a no-brainer. These aren’t just cute swag items. They’re so functional. You put your phone, wallet, keys, towel, inside, anything you don’t want getting wet. Roll the top down. Clip it shut. It seals everything in. If it falls in the water? Your stuff stays dry. That alone makes it valuable. And here’s what we love about them from a branding standpoint, not many companies are doing them yet. Everyone has water bottles and tote bags. A dry bag stands out. Even better? It actually lives with someone all summer long. In their kayak. On their boat. In their camper. At the beach. At tournaments. On vacation. That’s real visibility. If you're planning a golf outing, marina promotion, summer festival, or outdoor corporate event, this is the kind of promo piece people will thank you for and keep.