DODGE CENTER, Minn. (KIMT) — Community members will gather Saturday, June 27 at the Dodge Country Club for the 6th Annual Aidan Hegge Memorial Golf Tournament, an event dedicated to supporting youth mental health initiatives and suicide prevention efforts.
Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. tee-off.
The fundraiser benefits Aidan’s Light, a nonprofit established by the Hegge family after the loss of their son, Aidan, to suicide in 2020. The organization focuses on mental health advocacy through scholarships, education programs and community outreach efforts designed to support young people and families across the region.
Over the past several years, Aidan’s Light has expanded its reach throughout southeastern Minnesota. The nonprofit awards scholarships to graduating seniors in the Kasson-Mantorville School District, assists families affected by suicide and works with schools to provide students access to mental health resources, peer support opportunities and educational programming.
In addition to its school-based efforts, the organization sends care packages to grieving families during challenging milestones such as birthdays, holidays and anniversaries. The packages are intended to offer encouragement and remind recipients they have support during the grieving process.
Funds raised through last year’s tournament exceeded $40,000. According to organizers, that support helped fund three memorial scholarships, strengthen peer support programs in schools and broaden outreach services for families coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide.
Aidan’s Light has also partnered with suicide prevention advocate Emma Benoit to bring her documentary, “My Ascension,” to schools and communities throughout southern Minnesota. Benoit, who survived a suicide attempt at age 16, now travels the country sharing her story to promote awareness, resilience and hope among young people.
The program has reached 27 schools and numerous community events so far, with plans to expand to 18 more schools in 2026.
“Our mission is to keep Aidan’s light shining by helping young people know they matter, that help is available, and that there is hope,” the Hegge family said. “Every golfer, sponsor, donor, and volunteer helps us continue this important work and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Organizers hope to raise $45,000 through this year’s event. Proceeds will help fund future scholarships, school mental health programs, peer support groups, suicide prevention awareness campaigns and services for local families impacted by suicide.
“Aidan’s Light is making a lasting impact in our communities,” organizers said. “By supporting this event, donors are investing in the mental health and well-being of local youth while helping families find hope and healing.”
Organizers says the tournament activities will include 50/50 raffles, on-course contests, a brat and burger bar, the Bottle Bonanza game, prizes, swag bags and live music. Organizers say 101 hole sponsors and 40 teams have already signed up to participate.