Recently, a board member from the Veterans Golf Classic presented a check for $7,000 to the Recreation Department at the Fergus Falls Veterans Home. Over the course of a year, residents participate in over 250 activities which range from day trips, events, entertainers, youth sporting events, breakfast and lunch outings, and weekly activities such as bowling, and bingo. The donation presented was from golf tournament proceeds that was held at Forest Hills Golf Course and Resort on Friday, June 27. 

“Without gifts like this, our veteran residents would not be able to continue the lifestyle they have enjoyed prior to entering this Veterans Home. The tournament donation makes the difference. We all appreciate their thoughtful generosity,” said Gary Harris, Jr., Public Affairs.

This annual event will celebrate its 25th anniversary on the fourth Friday of June 2026, featuring a best-ball, shotgun start, with up to 36 participating teams. The Golf Classic has become a proud tradition that began in 2001 as a friendly challenge between the American Legion Post 15 and VFW Post 1676.

What started as a small local competition has grown into a significant fundraising event. The June 2025 golf tournament successfully raised over $12,000 which was donated to critical veterans support organizations that include: Veterans Home in Fargo, N.D.; Veterans Home in Fergus Falls and the Cass/Clay Veterans Gap Fund.

The event is organized by a committee predominantly composed of veterans, including: Dean Ellingson (Golf Pro), Lynn (Fjeld) Drewes, Pete Anderson, Phil Bellefeuille, Tony Baker, John Sauer, Kohl Skalin, Jason Bristlin and Julie Netland.