Two brothers from Minnesota are being recognized for their remarkable dedication to supporting veterans, having raised a substantial sum for a nonprofit organization through their annual lemonade stand.
Noah Dingels, 11, and Cole Dingels, 8, residents of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, first established their stand five years ago. It debuted at a golf tournament organized within their community by Tee It Up for the Troops, a national nonprofit dedicated to assisting American veterans upon their return from service.
The organization's mission is structured around six core pillars: providing support for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, promoting suicide awareness and prevention, facilitating employment opportunities, offering sports and recreational activities, ensuring housing, and supporting families and caregivers.
Reflecting on their initial efforts, Cole shared, "Honestly, it felt good."
During their inaugural event, the boys successfully collected $359. This initial success inspired them to expand their operations, and they have since accumulated a total of $60,000 for Tee It Up for the Troops.
"It feels like a lot, and it's fun to do it," Noah commented on their achievement.
Beyond lemonade, the brothers have diversified their sales, now offering candy bars—with Snickers noted as a favorite among tournament participants—and golf balls.
Over the years, their initiative has attracted local sponsors who also contribute to their cause.
A Growing Initiative for Veteran Support
Angela Dingels, the boys' mother, emphasized the core motivation behind their project. "The lemonade stand has always been about giving back, and so the boys have done a great job of using their time and talents every year to show their patriotism and show their gratitude to our veterans," she stated.
She described the fundraising enthusiasm as "contagious," noting that community members, including Noah and Cole's classmates and sports teammates, frequently visit the stand to offer their encouragement.
"It's been a really cool opportunity," she continued. "During the event, they get to meet different veterans, thank them for their service and show their love for our country."
Among the veterans they have encountered is Harry Wisdom, an 86-year-old decorated U.S. Army helicopter pilot. Wisdom was awarded a Silver Star for his bravery during the Vietnam War, an honor he chose to share with the young fundraisers.
"He very graciously brought that [Silver Star] and gave that to the boys last year at the lemonade stand as a sign of his appreciation for their work and everything they're doing to support veterans," Angela explained. "He wrote them an incredible letter, and so it's just been a very special connection that we look forward to every year."
Honoring Service and Building Connections
Tee It Up for the Troops, established in 2005, operates from Burnsville, Minnesota. Chris LaRocque, an Army reserve officer, serves as the organization's executive director and president.
In addition to hosting golf tournaments nationwide—45 are scheduled for this year—Tee It Up for the Troops also organizes an annual event in Florida called REUNION. This gathering is designed to bring together veterans who formed bonds during their service.
LaRocque explained the purpose of the event: "REUNION brings together combat veterans and battle buddies, that they've lost connection with, as well as some of their family members. We go through a lot of their stories, through shared experiences. We have small group leaders and mentors there, and it's really a powerful experience and really a unique thing."
LaRocque expressed high regard for Noah and Cole's efforts. "We'll receive donations that are made out to Noah and Cole's lemonade stand or Tee It Up for the Troops," he said. "What a cool thing that these young entrepreneurs, young men that are growing, want to do something bigger than themselves."
He added, "What a great message for all of us in our country, especially at the 250th anniversary of our founding."
Having been deployed overseas three times and possessing combat experience, LaRocque holds Tee It Up for the Troops' mission particularly close to his heart.
"The reason we're able to to celebrate the 250th is because of generations of men and women that have sacrificed for it, sometimes ultimately with their lives," he stated, acknowledging that despite current challenges, he believes America remains the greatest country globally.
Regarding Noah and Cole, LaRocque remarked, "What's so special to me is that we've got some, some young men that are seeing that more than many, and doing something about it. They're like stepping up and going, 'hey, here's something we could do. I see this as like a gap. I want to help our community and veterans in our community and do something bigger than just an individual effort.' And, I think it's special."
