One Swing Can Help Change a Life

Some stories make you smile...Others remind you how important it is to care for one another.

I've watched the Together with E.R.I.C. Foundation become something incredibly meaningful in our community. Every August, people come together for a day of golf, laughter, and friendship. But beneath all of that is a message that deserves to be heard.

4TH ANNUAL GOLF FOR AWARENESS TOURNAMENT

On Monday, August 10, the 4th Annual Golf Fore Awareness Tournament returns to Wapicada Golf Course in Sauk Rapids. The event honors the life of Eric Tenvoorde while raising money for local mental health, addiction, and suicide prevention programs.

I've heard Eric's family describe him as kind.

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KIND

From what I know of Eric, he was the kind of person who would stop what he was doing to help someone else. The kind of friend who made people feel welcome. The kind of guy whose smile could light up a room and whose goofy sense of humor kept everyone laughing.

THE PROTECTOR

His family says Eric was a protector. A hockey lover. A coach. A leader. A loyal son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. He loved being on the lake, spending time with family, and cheering on the Minnesota Wild. He also quietly struggled with opioid addiction and depression, battles that many people never knew he was facing.

I can't help but think that if Eric were here today, he'd probably be one of the first people greeting golfers, laughing with friends, and encouraging anyone who's struggling to keep going. That's who he was; someone who cared deeply about other people.

Golf Fore Awareness At Wapicada 2025-E.R.I.C Foundation

SHARING AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

While Eric is no longer here to share that message himself, his family has made sure his voice continues to be heard through the Together with E.R.I.C. Foundation. Their willingness to share his story has already touched countless lives and continues to remind all of us that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

SIGN UP NOW TO BE A PART OF THIS GREAT EVENT

The day of the event, registration will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a 10:00 shotgun start. After golf, participants will gather for dinner, awards, and a silent auction.

Even if you don't golf, you can still support the mission through sponsorships, donations, volunteering, or simply by helping spread the word.

REMOVE THE STIGMA

Mental health affects every family and every person in one way or another. I hope that events like this encourage more conversations, remove more stigma, and remind people that there is always hope.

If Eric's story helps even one person reach out instead of giving up, that's a legacy that will continue changing lives for years to come.

Learn more about how you can participate, whether it's through donations, participation, or by becoming a sponsor.

This year's goal is $60,000, and at the time of writing this story, we are at approximately $30,500, which puts us slightly over halfway to our goal. You can watch as this goal is met by clicking HERE.