More Than Just a Round of Golf

 

It started with a simple idea in 1997: bring a few colleagues together for a round of golf and chip in a little money for a good cause.

​

But the people organizing that first outing weren’t just random volunteers. They were a unique coalition of professionals who witnessed the devastation of fire first-hand:

• The Fire Sprinkler Industry (NFSA), who work to prevent fires before they start.

• The State Fire Marshal’s Office, who investigate the aftermath when prevention fails.

• Regions Hospital, the people who are there to heal the survivors.

 

For over 20 years, this "Full Circle of Fire Safety" operated as an informal annual tradition. But as the event grew, so did the impact. In 2018, the group officially incorporated as the Burn Aid Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity.

​

While the name became official, the golden rule of the group remained unchanged: 100% Volunteer.

We have no paid staff. No rented office space. No administrative overhead. The goal is simple: ensure that every dollar raised goes directly to the Regions Hospital Burn Center.

​

​

Where the Money Goes

To date, this tournament has raised over $1.4 million. While some of that buys critical medical equipment, the real magic happens outside the hospital walls.

The Foundation funds the "things insurance doesn't cover"—specifically, giving burn survivors their lives back.

• Camp RED (Realize Every Dream): For a kid with severe burn scars, being the "only one" at school can be isolating. We fund full scholarships for survivors to attend specialized camps in Northern Minnesota and Colorado. At these camps, bandages are normal, scars are shared, and for one week, these kids get to just be kids again—swimming, hiking, and healing together.

• School Re-Entry: Going back to school after a trauma is terrifying. Funds support programs where burn experts visit a survivor’s classroom to explain what happened, turning staring classmates into supportive friends.

• The Next Chapter: From tuition assistance for young survivors to advanced laser therapy that helps adults regain mobility, the Foundation is there for the long haul.

 

What started as a day on the links has become a lifeline. When you tee off with us, you aren't just playing golf; you're helping a survivor write their comeback story.