A new year of nonstop efforts
Adding & optimizing fundraisers in 2026
The new year is an obvious time to reflect upon the accomplishments made over the past one, but it hardly means starting over. Instead, it’s a time to recognize the ever-growing needs of our beloved charitable organizations — Homeless & Wounded Warriors – MN, Eagle’s Healing Nest, Nisswa Fire Department — and how we can better serve them in the near future.
If last year is any indicator, it’s evident that local veterans increasingly need our compassion and commitment. Many of the events held by HWW–MN in 2025 broke previous fundraising records, and those dollars were often disbursed quickly with a need for even more .
Winter is especially demanding on some veterans and their families. HWW–MN recently paid $1,033 to fill a propane tank, and another $1,175 for snow and ice dam removal, according to Russ Philstrom, chairman of the organization.
“The calls will be steady for the next several months,” he said.
Furthermore, some funds helped the Eagle’s Healing Nest of Sauk Centre, a renowned organization that also helps veterans who struggle with addiction and PTSD.
Considering all of that, it’s easy to see how serving our local veterans is such a worthy endeavor — one for those who truly deserve it.
December raffle raises another $15K
The popular ice fishing gear raffle held by Homeless & Wounded Warriors – MN raised $15,040 on December 27 at The Woodtick Inn of Cuyuna.
The annual event — typically held in February — awarded 12 prize packages to lucky participants, giving the winners lots of extra time to utilize their ice augers, ice shacks, Vexilars, tackle and more.
HWW–MN sold 752 of the 800 total tickets, and the Cuyuna Fire Department donated the prizes. All proceeds will go to HWW–MN to help veterans in the area.
Organizers are planning another raffle fundraiser for late spring. According to HWW–MN Chairman Russ Philstrom, past participants are also calling for a second gun raffle in 2026, instead of one. The gun raffle is a top fundraiser for HWW–MN.
Watch for more HWW–MN raffle announcements and official dates to be released soon.
How we will ‘Go Serve Bigger’ in 2026
At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Exclusive, we believe real estate is about more than just property. It’s about purpose.
That’s why our team is on a mission to “Go Serve Big” — not just by helping families buy or sell homes, but by giving back to the heroes who serve our communities and country. For us, “Go Serve Big” means doing business with a bigger impact in mind: Every transaction is an opportunity to give back to those who’ve sacrificed so much. Our team has pledged to raise more than $15,000 in 2026 through real estate referrals alone to support Homeless & Wounded Warriors – MN. By connecting us with people you know who are thinking of making a move, you’re not just helping them find their next home. You’re directly helping to support life-changing services for those who have served.
We believe business should be a force for good — and that giving back should be baked into everything we do. From sponsoring local events like the the Stars & Stripes Scramble, to spotlighting first responders in our community, our mission is simple: Go Serve Big. That means serving our clients with excellence while creating a ripple effect of generosity that goes far beyond the closing table. It’s real estate with a purpose, and we’re just getting started.
