Sept. 10 event to raise funds for academic scholarships for local military and first responder families
Golfers, foundation supporters, and community leaders will gather on Sept. 10, at Lost Tracks Golf Club in Bend, Oregon, for a charity golf tournament benefiting Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.
The scholarships that are provided from the day will remain in the local community.
The event is scheduled one day prior to the 25th anniversary of 9/11, highlighting the sacrifices made by military and first responders.
Hosting the event will be Club owner and former PGA of America President (2006-2008) Brian Whitcomb. Whitcomb was instrumental in the success of Patriot Golf Days, encouraging Folds of Honor founder and CEO Lt Col Dan Rooney to undertake the program.
The nationwide golf initiative is held over Memorial Day weekend. Since its inception in 2007 and through 2025, Patriot Golf Days, a partnership between Folds of Honor and the PGA of America, has accounted for over 200,000 rounds, provided more than 25,000 scholarships, and raised more than $125 million.
“I was there at the beginning with Lt Col Dan, and I’m amazed and gratified how Patriot Golf Days and Folds of Honor have grown,” Whitcomb said. “To be able to utilize our golf course to honor American heroes and help families that have sacrificed so much is a blessing.”
“Brian Whitcomb was the President of the PGA of America, and I called and he answered,” said Folds of Honor founder and CEO Lt Col Dan Rooney. “That was the start of Patriot Golf Days and Folds of Honor. Without Brian’s support it’s likely Folds of Honor and the 85,000 scholarships we’ve awarded never happens. He is the vessel that paved the way and has remained a deep rudder for the last 19 years. His friendship and council are unrivaled.”
Whitcomb serves on the Folds of Honor Board.
Speaking at the tournament will be Alexis Pearson, who was Folds of Honor’s initial first responder scholarship recipient. The foundation added first responders to the mission in 2022. Pearson graduated from Oregon State with a BS in civil engineering. She works at a civil engineering consulting firm as a civil technician. Her father, Captain David Pearson, worked in Eugene and Portland and held the ranks of engineer and lieutenant before becoming the captain of the Hazardous Material Team. After over 21 years as an active-duty firefighter, he became seriously ill and passed away on March 1, 2020.
For more information, please contact Megan McCright at megan.whitcomb@yahoo.com.
