Walser Automotive Group is teeing up to become the Signature Sponsor for BEAR’ly Open XVIII, its annual charitable Golf on Ice event.
At Walser, we believe in driving change both on and off the road. Partnering with the White Bear Area Food Shelf for the BEAR’ly Open is a natural fit for us as a business rooted in the White Bear Lake community. “Through volunteerism, food drives, and now as the Signature Sponsor, we’re proud to help address food insecurity and strengthen the community we serve,” said Dayna Kleve, Director of Diversity, Engagement & Foundation at Walser. “This event showcases the power of coming together to support those in need, and we’re honored to be part of it.”
On Friday, January 31, the BEAR’ly Open Pre-Party kicks off the festivities at the White
Bear Country Inn, featuring Ranger Things, the Northland’s most ironic band playing hits
from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. For those who prefer the indoors, it’s a fun evening of
dancing, games and prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails, including the famous Rudytini.
Then, the celebration heads outdoors on Saturday, February 1, for BEAR’ly Open Golf on
Ice on its custom-designed 18-hole course on White Bear Lake. More than 300 “golfers”
participate in a shotgun-format golf event that features sponsor tents with games and
activities, food and beverages, a DJ-hosted dance party, a costume contest, and more!
NEW THIS YEAR – a VIP tent, Golf 4-somes, and a 19th Hole After-Party hosted at
participating local bars. BEAR’ly Open XVIII is an official event of the Saint Paul Winter
Carnival.
“We love how residents and local businesses rally around this winter event to help raise
awareness of the problem of hunger and poverty in our community,” says event director
Lisa Beecroft. For 17 years, the BEAR’ly Open has helped the White Bear Area Food Shelf
combat hunger in the community, and it remains dedicated to its mission of raising
awareness and providing a reliable source of healthy, nutritious meals.
Since the pandemic, food insecurity has risen dramatically, with demand reaching
unprecedented levels in the past few years. In 2024, the White Bear Area Food Shelf
served 66,749 visitors—double the number served two years ago. Many of those served
are the most vulnerable in the community, with 38% being children and 12% seniors.
Currently, the Food Shelf supports 6,233 visitors each month, serving hundreds of new
visitors every month.
Sponsorships are being accepted from the business community and private individuals
interested in supporting the Food Shelf. Hole Sponsors are a part of the on-ice festivities,
and they are encouraged to do as much as they want to promote their business or
organization by way of decorations, costumes, games and events, giveaways,
food/beverage samples, and more. Many create fun and unique ways to decorate and
add props to their specific hole, and a trophy (and bragging rights) is awarded to the
best Hole Sponsor.
All net proceeds benefit the White Bear Area Food Shelf – where the need has never
been greater. To date, BEAR’ly Open has contributed over $307,257 to the food shelf – an
estimated $2,458,056 worth of food! Registration for BEAR’ly Open XVII Golf on Ice &
Pre-Party is now open online at www.bearlyopen.org.
Media contact and sponsorship/registration questions should be directed to Lisa
Beecroft at [email protected] or 612-250-4991.
