Minnesota Brothers Turn Lemonade Stand Into $60,000 For Veterans

Eden Prairie, MN (Minnesota Now) -- What started as a simple lemonade stand run by two young brothers in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, has turned into something much bigger than anyone could have imagined.

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Five years ago, Noah and Cole Dingels set up a lemonade stand at a golf event hosted by the Minnesota-based nonprofit Tee It Up for the Troops. At the time, the boys were just 7 and 4 years old.

That first year, they raised $359 and donated every penny to help veterans.

Noah and Cole's first-year lemonade stand in 2022 (photo by Billy Perrier)

Eden Prairie Brothers Raise $60,000 for Veterans, $23,000 In One Day

Fast forward five years, and that little lemonade stand has now raised more than $60,000 for veterans and military families.

Even more impressive is that earlier this month, the brothers brought in more than $23,000 in a single day. Over the years, Noah and Cole's fundraiser has grown well beyond lemonade.

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Today, the stand also includes golf ball sales, snacks, and support from local businesses. Their annual fundraiser at Olympic Hills Golf Club has become a community effort, with neighbors and businesses pitching in to support the cause.

Noah and Cole's Lemonade Stand 2026 (photo by Billy Perrier)

Chris LaRocque, president and executive director of Tee It Up for the Troops, says the boys are a perfect example of what the organization is all about.

"Noah and Cole remind us that you're never too young to serve something bigger than yourself," LaRocque said. "What they've built from a lemonade stand is exactly what we're about, neighbors showing up for the men and women who showed up for all of us."

Eden Prairie Kids Earn National Recognition For Giving Back

The boys' efforts have even caught the attention of U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who recently sent them a personal letter thanking them for their support of America's veterans and calling them "two incredible patriots."

Letter From U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

Tee It Up For the Troops Launches New 'Celebrate 250' Campaign

As the country prepares to celebrate America's 250th birthday, Tee It Up for the Troops is using Noah and Cole's story to inspire others to give back.

The Minnesota nonprofit recently launched its "Celebrate 250" campaign, encouraging people to donate $250, one dollar for each year of American independence, or pledge monthly donations totaling the same amount over the course of a year.

Since launching in 2005, Tee It Up for the Troops has provided more than $19 million in direct support to veterans and military families across the country. The organization also says it has reunited more than 400 veterans through its outreach program.

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For Noah and Cole's mom, Angela Dingels, the fundraiser has always been about much more than money.

"At its heart, this has always been about giving back," Dingels said. "The money raised is incredible, but the lessons learned have been just as valuable."

Noah and Cole, we salute you! Your story is a pretty powerful reminder that you're never too young to make a difference.