Mission

The mission of Northwest Golfers for Warriors is to support wounded warriors and local veterans and their families in need. Our intention is to provide funding to a variety of local organizations who each are helping our local veterans and their families in their own unique way. We believe this allows us to reach and assist a broad spectrum of local veterans who each have their own individual needs.

Means

We intend on achieving this mission by providing an enjoyable means for the golfing public of the Northwest to directly participate in annual tournaments to raise funds in support of these most deserving men and women.

History

Northwest Golfers for Warriors is a 100% volunteer organization. It was established in 2011 and became a recognized 501 (c) (3) in 2013. The tournament was the idea of Christopher A. Runyan, at the time, head PGA Professional at Sun Dance Golf Course. With a small dedicated volunteer team the event was initiated. In year one, we attracted 110 golfers and were able to contribute $3,000 to Wounded Warrior Project.
In year two (2012), we were able to attract 240 golfers and were able to contribute $15,000 to Wounded Warrior Project. In year two we were able to attract Northern Quest Resort and Casino (NQRC) as our title sponsor. NQRC provided the room for our banquet and discounted services. They also wrote a direct check to Wounded Warrior Project. We also received significant support from KHQ TV station.
In year three Northwest Golfers for Warriors became a registered 501 (c) (3) charity. In this year (2013) we had 340 golfers and were able to contribute $25,000 to Wounded Warrior Project. We retained NQRC, and formalized our relationship with KHQ TV and their news broadcaster Dan Kleckner, who had participated in the tournament from the beginning.. We named the tournament Dan Kleckner's Golf Classic to give us improved credibility and exposure. In addition we received the backing of a major local auto dealer and a growing number of individuals and companies.
In year four (2014) we had 340 golfers and were able to contribute over $52,000. We contributed $22,200 to a local veteran support organization Newby-ginnings of North Idaho. This charity, founded by a gold star mom, provides for those vets who find themselves in need for even the most basic living needs. In its short existence Newby-ginnings has become a hub where those vets in need can be directed to other organizations who can more directly meet an individual’s specific needs. We also contributed $30,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project.

In year five (2015) we moved our tournament from Sun Dance G.C. to Downriver G. C. We had 392 golfers and were able to contribute over $63,000 to local veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project. We greatly expanded our local support efforts in this year, as has been our goal since Northwest Golfers for Warriors was founded. In addition we were able to sponsor over 100 active military and veterans to participate in Dan Kleckner's Golf Classic Friday Military Appreciation Day tournament and related events.

We provided funding to the following organizations, with over 75% of the funds remaining local.

  • Wounded Warrior Project
  • Newby-ginnings of North Idaho
  • Warriors Heart to Art
  • Fairchild Operation Warm Heart
  • Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
  • Project Healing Waters
  • Operation Spokane Heroes
  • Veterans Court
  • Shepherds for Lost Sheep
  • Combat Vet Riders
  • Vets on the Green

In year six (2016) we had 321 players and were able to contribute over $65,000 to our local veterans. In addition we were able to fully sponsor over 100 veterans and active military to play in the Friday Military Appreciation Day tournament and related events.

One hundred percent of this years contributions remained local. The organizations receiving funds this year are:

  • Newby-ginnings of North Idaho
  • VetsGarage
  • Combat Vet Riders
  • Operation Dog Tag
  • Fairchild Operation Warm Heart
  • Warriors Heart to Art
  • Spokane Veterans Forum
  • Vets on the Farm
  • Operation Spokane Heroes
  • Project Healing Waters-Spokane Chapter
  • WITH Performance Foundation
  • Vets on the Green
  • Washington State Fallen Heroes Project

In year seven (2017) we had 430 players and were able to contribute $60,000 to our local veterans. In addition through the generous support of the community, we were able to sponsor over 150 veterans and local military to play in the Friday Military Appreciation Day Tournament, banquet and related events.The organizations receiving funds this year are:

  • Newby-ginnings of North Idaho
  • VetsGarage
  • Combat Vet Riders
  • Idaho Stand Down
  • Fairchild Operation Warm Heart
  • Warriors Heart to Art
  • Spokane Veterans Forum
  • Vets on the Farm
  • Operation Spokane Heroes
  • DAV Coeur d'Alene
  • WITH Performance Foundation
  • Vets on the Green
  • Washington State Fallen Heroes Project
  • Veteran’s Community Response
  • Light Benders

In year eight (2018) we had 418 players and were able to contribute $82,900 to our local veterans. In addition through the generous support of the community, we were able to sponsor 169 veterans and local military to play in the Friday Military Appreciation Day Tournament, banquet and related events.The organizations receiving funds this year are:

  • Vets on the Farm
  • Operation Spokane Heroes
  • DAV Coeur d'Alene
  • Time of Remembrance
  • Washington State Fallen Heroes Project
  • Light Benders
  • Spokane Post No.9 American Legion
  • Project Healing Waters
  • INW Disabled Veterans Sports Assoc.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TREMENDOUS SUPPORT. In 2019 we were able to distribute $87,000. One hundred percent of these funds remained local. Also, through your generosity we were able to fully sponsor 212 of our military veterans and active duty members to play in the Military Appreciation Day Tournament and enjoy the Banquet and other tournament functions. The following organizations received funding from Northwest Golfers for Warriors in 2019:

  • Combat Vet Riders
  • Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
  • Constructing Comfort for Vets
  • Cowgirls and Women Warriors
  • DAV Coeur d'Alene
  • Fairchild Operation Warm Heart
  • Idaho Stand Down
  • INW Disabled Veterans Sports Assoc.
  • Light Benders
  • Marine “Toys for Tots” Foundation
  • Newby-ginnings of North Idaho
  • Operation Dog Tag
  • Operation Second Chance
  • Operation Spokane Heroes
  • Project Healing Waters
  • Quilts of Valor
  • Spokane Post No.9 American Legion
  • Spokane Veterans Forum
  • Veterans Community Response
  • Vets on the Farm
  • Vets on the Green
  • VetsGarage
  • Washington State Fallen Heroes Project

Thanks to your generous donations and support in 2021 Northwest Golfers for Warriors was able to donate $90,300 to our local veteran community and fully sponsor 193 local veterans/military. Over the years we have sponsored almost 1,000 veterans/military to enjoy the tournament and banquet. This year we passed the $600,000 mark for donations Northwest Golfers for Warriors has made to the local veteran community. This is truly a reflection of the care you and our community have displayed for our veterans and their families. THANK YOU!

Summary

In our eleven years of existence Northwest Golfers for Warriors has been able to donate over $600,000 to veteran support organizations. In the past six years 100% of the funds have remained local. In addition, you have fully sponsored nearly 1,000 veterans and active military to participate in the tournament, banquet and other activities. This is truly a reflection of the generosity and care you and our community have displayed for our veterans and their families. THANK YOU!