GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Over $291,000 will help fund charitable efforts in West Michigan as a result of the 2003 Farmers Charity Classic Tournament, The Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation announced today.

The donation is a combination of tournament proceeds and funds from other contributing organizations affiliated with the 2003 Farmers Charity Classic. Members of the Grand Rapids Jaycees and Jaycees Foundation, along with representatives of Farmers Insurance Group, presented checks to representatives of My Sisters' House, D.A. Blodgett's Big Brothers Big Sisters Program and Zeeland Community Hospital Foundation, in ceremonies at Egypt Valley Country Club.

"We are delighted with the charitable contribution level achieved by the Farmers Charity Classic. The tournament demonstrates the commitment of West Michigan and the Grand Rapids Jaycees to enhance quality of life through charitable endeavors," said Cathy Prein, president of the Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation.

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has been Title Sponsor of the tournament since 2000 and will continue their sponsorship through the 2004 event. "The charitable giving of people and businesses in the West Michigan area is well-known," said Jack Hannigan, Farmers Specialty chief marketing officer, adding that "The many business sponsors and community members who are involved with the success of the tournament each year not only reflects this generosity of spirit but also provides the opportunity for each of us to participate in a community event and make a real, positive impact on people's lives."

My Sisters' House, a Dwelling Place transitional housing development for homeless women was the 2003 Tournament's Lead Charity. The organization received a check totaling $119,250, which will be used to refurbish the home's kitchen, where their residents not only prepare their daily meals, cooking for themselves, but also make meaningful and life-altering relationships. "To be the recipient of the 2003 Farmers Charity Classic is a tremendous opportunity for the women who call My Sisters' House home. The impact of the Grand Rapids Jaycees' generosity will be felt for years to come," said Dennis Sturtevant, CEO, Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids.

D.A. Blodgett Services for Children and Families' Big Brothers Big Sister Program was the Featured Charity for the event. They are awarded a portion of the tournament earnings and they also benefit by hosting their annual golf outing on the tournament course.

"We take great pride in our superb partnership with the Farmers Charity Classic the last two years. As the 2002 Lead Charity and 2003 Featured Charity, our agency alone has benefited from grants totaling $75,000. These funds have helped us renovate our Big Brothers Big Sisters facility, establishing a permanent headquarters for our community's Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Not only that, but the tremendous public exposure from what is West Michigan's premier sporting event has helped increase awareness of the need for more Big Brother Big Sister mentors. It has been an absolute joy working with the Jaycees' organization and tournament staff, but more importantly, our successful relationship with the Farmers Charity Classic has helped us serve more disadvantaged children in need of Big Brother Big Sister volunteers," said Sharon Loughridge, executive director of D.A. Blodgett Services for Children and Families. D.A. Blodgett received a check for $73,224 as the Featured Charity.

Zeeland Community Hospital Foundation's involvement in the 2003 tournament will enhanced the hospital's commitment to positively impact their community through their "Learn for Life!" program. The Hospital Foundation received a check for $26,189. "We as a hospital are very excited to be a part of the Farmers Charity Classic. We feel that this is a wonderful sporting event for the Holland/Zeeland area and the proceeds from the event are making a real difference in the lives of people in our community," said Robert Dean, executive director of the Zeeland Community Hospital Foundation.

The Farmers Charity Classic has donated more than $3.3 million to West Michigan local charities since 1987.

"As we close the books and photo albums on the 2003 tournament, the Jaycees are already working hard planning and preparing for tournament 2004. Constant planning, teamwork, enthusiasm and dedication can be found year-round throughout the Jaycees and those committed to this tournament. It's a wonderful event and an awesome tradition within our West Michigan community," said Brian Clinger, chairperson of the 2003 tournament. "Teamwork, long hours and plenty of planning by the Grand Rapids Jaycees made our 2003 Farmers Charity Classic an outstanding community event and a successful fundraiser. Beyond the Jaycees, not enough can be said about the volunteers, sponsors and partners who work together to bring the Champions Tour and its benefits here to West Michigan. I would like to thank all involved for a job well done."

The 2004 Farmers Charity Classic will be played May 31 - June 6 at Egypt Valley Country Club. For information on sponsorships or to volunteer for the 2004 Farmers Charity Classic, please call 616-949-8412 or visit us on line at www.farmerscharityclassic.com.

About Farmers Insurance Group:
Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is the nation's third-largest Personal Lines Property & Casualty insurance group. Headquartered in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, the insurers comprising the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies provide Homeowners, Auto, Business and Life insurance, as well as financial services to more than 10 million households through 17,000 exclusive and independent agents and district managers. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at www.farmers.com. This is Farmers' 75th year serving America's families and businesses.

About Grand Rapids Jaycees:
Since 1929 the Grand Rapids Jaycees have put their motto "Leadership Training through Community Service" into action. The Jaycees offer young people the opportunity to meet, socialize and work together on community projects. The Farmers Charity Classic is owned and operated by the Grand Rapids Jaycees.

About Champions Tour:
The Champions Tour is one of the PGA TOUR's three professional golf tours (PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour), and features the world's premier golfers age 50 and up. The Champions Tour will play 30 Official/Charles Schwab Cup tournaments for more than $52.5 million in 2004. Since its inception, the PGA TOUR and its tournaments have donated more than $800 million to charity.