Jefferson County Salvation Army Golf Tournament Takes Aim at Hunger
EUREKA — A day on the golf course will help place fresh food on the tables of Jefferson County households when the Salvation Army hosts its 2026 “Tee Off to Fight Hunger” Golf Tournament.
The tournament is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at The Legends Country Club, 625 The Legends Parkway in Eureka.
Tournament Proceeds Support Fresh Food
Jerry Geen, chairman of the Jefferson County Salvation Army Board of Directors, said proceeds from this year’s tournament will be directed specifically toward the organization’s food pantry.
“This particular tournament will benefit our food pantry,” Geen said.
The pantry operates much like a small grocery store, allowing people to choose items that meet the needs of their households rather than receiving a standard box of food. Although donations from retailers and community members help keep shelves stocked with canned food and other dry goods, Geen said obtaining quality fresh food remains a challenge.
“The fresh food, meat and produce is always the hardest,” Geen said.
Former Jefferson County Salvation Army Director Larry Hostetler previously explained that the choice-based pantry also allows visitors to select food that fits their dietary restrictions, family size and individual circumstances.
Fundraiser Helps Meet Growing Need
The tournament’s impact, however, extends beyond the pantry.
Geen said the golf tournament is the Jefferson County Salvation Army’s largest private fundraiser. It ranks second in local funding only to the organization’s annual Christmas kettle campaign.
Demand for food, rental assistance and utility assistance has exceeded what the organization budgeted for this year, he said. Using tournament proceeds to purchase food allows other available funding to be directed toward preventing utility shutoffs and helping people remain in their homes.
“By us being able to use these proceeds to fund the food pantry, it allows us to take some of that budgeted money and use it for keeping people housed and keeping their utilities on,” Geen said.
Hostetler described that flexibility as essential because the needs facing local residents can change from one week to the next.
Teams, Sponsorships and Auction Donations
The tournament can accommodate as many as 36 teams. Last year’s event drew 26 teams and was the organization’s most successful tournament to date. Geen said registrations are currently running ahead of last year’s pace, although many teams traditionally wait until the final weeks to register.
Team registration is $800. Those who cannot enter a team may support the fundraiser through hole sponsorships, direct donations or contributions to the tournament auction.
Organizers are particularly seeking businesses, churches, Scout groups, clubs and individuals willing to assemble themed gift baskets or donate prizes. Geen suggested restaurant gift cards as one possible basket theme, but donations may be built around any theme selected by the contributor.
Several notable auction items have already been secured, including St. Louis Blues tickets, an opportunity to spend a period inside the radio broadcast booth during a Blues game and a Masters Tournament golf flag signed by Jordan Spieth. Additional tournament tickets are also expected.
Alex Ferrario of 101 ESPN, who handles Blues pregame and postgame coverage, is scheduled to serve as the tournament’s emcee.
Geen said every team, sponsorship, donated basket and auction item strengthens the Salvation Army’s ability to respond as local households face increasing food, housing and utility costs.
“It’s everything,” Geen said of the community’s participation.
Teams and sponsors are encouraged to register early as the tournament works toward reaching its 36-team capacity. Registration, sponsorship and donation information is available through the 2026 “Tee Off to Fight Hunger” Golf Tournament’s online registration page.
