Westfield, September 27, 2025
News Summary
The Western Massachusetts chapter of America’s VetDogs is hosting the ‘Salute to Soldiers’ golf tournament at Tekoa Country Club to raise funds for service dogs supporting U.S. veterans. The event aims to raise $25,000 as part of a larger $100,000 goal to enhance the quality of life for veterans with physical and mental challenges. Scheduled for October 17, the tournament will blend competition with a charitable mission, allowing golfers to make an impactful difference while enjoying the game.
Westfield — Big Drives for a Bigger Cause at Tekoa
Golf fans and do-gooders, tune up your swing. The local course is staging a fun, feel-good showdown that mixes fairways with fund-raising flair. This story is all about dogs, vets, and birdies — and it packs a serious purpose behind the play.
What’s happening?
The Western Massachusetts chapter of America’s VetDogs is working towards raising a total of $100,000 to provide service dogs to U.S. veterans. The chapter is steering a targeted effort on the course to hit that goal and help veterans regain independence and confidence.
Event details that matter to golfers
A golf tournament and dinner event named “Salute to Soldiers” will take place on October 17 at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield. Expect the usual tournament rhythm — tee times, lunch on the turn, and a dinner that brings players back together to tally up scores and stories. Organizers are aiming for competitive fun without losing sight of the mission.
Money on the line — and what it buys
Organizers of the event aim to raise $25,000 specifically through this tournament to benefit the America’s VetDogs organization. That’s a quarter of the chapter’s $100,000 push — a serious chunk that can fund breeding, raising, training and placing a number of life-changing service dogs.
Why this matters off the tee
The funds will support veterans suffering from physical and mental disabilities. Service dogs trained for mobility support, psychiatric service tasks, and daily assistance give veterans practical help and emotional stability. For those who love the game, it’s worth remembering that community events like these are where golf’s social capital turns into real-world impact.
Who does the hands-on work?
America’s VetDogs breeds, raises, trains, and places service dogs with veterans at no cost. The organization handles the whole pipeline so veterans get fully trained partners ready for everyday life — not an extra financial burden.
End goal — life quality, not prizes
The services provided by America’s VetDogs aim to improve the quality of life for veterans in need. That clear mission frames the event: it’s competitive when you’re on the course, charitable when you’re off it.
A golf writer’s take
As someone who follows the game and loves its side stories, this one ticks all the boxes. Tekoa Country Club offers a solid test — rolling lies, tricky bunkers, and greens that make you work for birdies. Events like this attract a mix of weekend hackers, club champions, and socially motivated players. The vibe will be competitive but relaxed, with players driving and chipping for a cause bigger than any prize purse.
For golfers, it’s simple: bring a decent tee shot, a steady short game, and extra heart for veterans who will directly benefit. For anyone who likes to see charitable dollars stretch, a $25,000 haul from one tournament is a tidy outcome with real effects.
How to follow or get involved
If you’re reading this and thinking you want to play or support from the sidelines, mark your calendar for October 17 at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield. The event format will mix golf with dinner — a classic combination that keeps golfers engaged and donors inspired. Whether you’re a single-digit handicap or a social golfer, the chance to be part of something that helps veterans is the true win.
FAQ
What is the fundraising goal for the chapter?
The Western Massachusetts chapter of America’s VetDogs is working towards raising a total of $100,000 to provide service dogs to U.S. veterans.
Who benefits from the funds?
The funds will support veterans suffering from physical and mental disabilities.
When and where is the event?
A golf tournament and dinner event named “Salute to Soldiers” will take place on October 17 at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield.
How much does this tournament aim to raise?
Organizers of the event aim to raise $25,000 specifically through this tournament to benefit the America’s VetDogs organization.
What does America’s VetDogs do?
America’s VetDogs breeds, raises, trains, and places service dogs with veterans at no cost.
What is the ultimate purpose of these services?
The services provided by America’s VetDogs aim to improve the quality of life for veterans in need.
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Quick Reference Table
Item | Details |
---|---|
Chapter goal | $100,000 |
Tournament target | $25,000 |
Event | “Salute to Soldiers” — Golf tournament and dinner |
Date | October 17 |
Location | Tekoa Country Club in Westfield |
Beneficiary | America’s VetDogs |
Purpose | Provide service dogs to U.S. veterans; improve quality of life |
Final word from the fairway: whether you’re chasing a net birdie or a clean conscience, this event gives golfers the rare chance to do both. Drive straight, putt well, and help put a trained partner at a veteran’s side — that’s a round worth playing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Westfield Golf Benefit
- Wikipedia: Veterans of Foreign Wars
- MassLive: Constance Herbert Obituary
- Google Search: Service Dogs for Veterans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Service Dog

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.