19th Annual BEAR’ly Open Raised Nearly $60,000
For the 19th straight year, the White Bear Lake community bundled up, came together, and turned winter fun into meaningful impact at the 2026 BEAR’ly Open. What began as a quirky winter golf event has grown into a beloved three-part tradition — Golf on Ice, a lively Pre-Party, and a spirited Online Auction — all working together to support the White Bear Area Food Shelf.
This year, over 500 people participated across the weekend’s activities, helping create one of the most successful BEAR’ly Opens yet. As founder Ken Galloway shared, “It was a great year with record participation and record funds raised for the food shelf.”
Together, participants, volunteers, and generous supporters raised nearly $60,000, giving the Food Shelf the purchasing power to buy $360,000 worth of food. Since its beginning, the BEAR’ly Open has provided enough support for the Food Shelf to purchase more than $3 million in food for local families.
Thank you, White Bear Lake and surrounding community — your generosity continues to open doors and fill tables.
This year’s online auction was one of the most spirited to date, raising more than $12,000. With 78 bidders enthusiastically competing, the auction once again showcased the generosity and fun-loving nature of this community.‑loving nature of this community.
Several items saw especially high engagement, including:
- Foursome Golf at the White Bear Yacht Club
- Dinner Certificates from ACQUA Restaurant & Bar or MIZU Japanese
- Foursome Golf at Oak Glen
- Gift Certificate from Nails & Spa
We extend heartfelt thanks to Galloway Culinary, our Auction Sponsor, and to the many businesses and individuals who contributed items. Each donation makes a genuine difference.
A special shout‑out goes to Tousley Motorsports for their exceptionally generous contributions this year.
Heads & Tails Show Down
The Pre‑Party, hosted at the White Bear Country Inn, was filled with music, movement, and incredible generosity. The lively Wildcat Combo band kept the dance floor full, setting a joyful tone for the weekend.
Guests enjoyed the always popular Heads & Tails game, cheering and laughing through every round. This year also brought in the largest Wine & Spirits Pull in event history, with 56 bottles donated. The enthusiasm was contagious!
Saturday’s Golf on Ice event was a perfect showcase of why this tradition is so cherished. Sunshine, laughter, colorful costumes, and cleverly decorated sleds filled White Bear Lake as participants — both long‑time teams and newcomers — enjoyed a day of winter playfulness.
Creativity took center stage during the sled and costume awards. The Olympics themed family sled, featuring three generations, captured the Best Sled title and brought smiles to everyone. The Best Individual Costume award went to an enthusiastic young Bluey, and the Wacky Waving Inflatable Team danced and waved their way to victory in the Best Group Costume category. We also celebrated a standout partner in the Best Hole Sponsor award, which went to Scott Bohnen and State Farm Insurance for their enthusiasm and exceptional presence on the ice. One of the day’s best moments was seeing so many new participants already dreaming up next year’s costumes and sled themes before heading home. ‑themed family sled, featuring three generations, captured the Best Sled title and brought smiles to everyone. The Best Individual Costume award went to an enthusiastic
We were grateful to have a panel of respected community leaders serving as judges: Tara Jebens-Singh, County Commissioner for District 1; Kelly Miller, Ramsey County Commissioner for District 7; and Mary Nicklawske, Mayor of White Bear Lake. Their presence added warmth and encouragement throughout the event.
A highlight of the morning was the appearance of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, who conducted official knighting ceremonies for two outstanding community members. Ken Galloway, the founder of the BEAR’ly Open, former Board Member, and longtime advocate for the Food Shelf, and Ruth Carroll, a dedicated food shelf volunteer who excelled collecting auction donations this year.
Until Next Year…
The BEAR’ly Open is more than a winter tradition — it is a celebration of what happens when a community rallies together with purpose and heart. Whether you golfed, danced, volunteered, donated, bid, or cheered from the sidelines, you played a role in ensuring that families in our area have access to the food they need.
Thank you for making the 19th Annual BEAR’ly Open one of the best yet. We can’t wait to celebrate year 20 with you!
