Two brothers from Eden Prairie, Minnesota have demonstrated that citizenship and service to veterans can begin at any age, raising $60,000 over five years through a lemonade stand that has become a fixture at local charity golf tournaments.
Noah Dingels, 11, and Cole Dingels, 8, established their operation five years ago at a golf tournament hosted by Tee It Up for the Troops, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting American veterans returning from combat. What began as a modest venture has evolved into a significant fundraising enterprise that has captured the attention of their community and beyond.
The brothers’ first effort generated $359, a sum that proved sufficient motivation to expand their operations in subsequent years. Their stand now offers lemonade, candy bars, and golf balls to tournament participants, with Snickers bars proving particularly popular among golfers.
“I really liked it, it’s cool to see the veterans and present the money at the end of the night,” Noah explained in a recent interview alongside his brother and mother. Cole added simply, “Honestly, it felt good.”
The organization they support, Tee It Up for the Troops, operates on a six-pillar mission framework addressing critical needs facing returning veterans. These pillars encompass PTSD and traumatic brain injury support, suicide awareness and prevention, employment assistance, sports and recreation programs, housing support, and family and caregiver resources.
Over the years, the Dingels brothers have secured local sponsors who contribute to their mission. Their mother, Angela Dingels, described the effort as having a contagious quality that has drawn support from throughout their community, including classmates and sports teammates who regularly stop by to offer encouragement.
“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,” Angela Dingels said.
The annual tournament provides the brothers with direct interaction with the veterans they serve. These encounters offer them an opportunity to thank service members personally and demonstrate tangible support for those who have served the nation in uniform.
“During the event, they get to meet different veterans, thank them for their service and show their love for our country,” their mother noted.
The substantial sum raised by two young boys through such straightforward means stands as a reminder that effective charitable work need not require complex organizations or sophisticated fundraising apparatus. What the Dingels brothers have demonstrated is that dedication, consistency, and genuine appreciation for veterans can produce meaningful results.
Their success over five years also reflects well on their community in Eden Prairie, which has supported and encouraged their efforts. The involvement of local sponsors and the regular participation of friends and neighbors suggests a broader culture of appreciation for military service.
As the brothers continue their annual tradition, they represent a younger generation learning the value of service and gratitude toward those who have served in America’s armed forces. Their work provides practical assistance to veterans while setting an example for their peers about civic responsibility and the impact that dedicated individuals can achieve, regardless of age.
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