Hy-Vee Gives $100,000 to Badger Honor Flight
Six southern Wisconsin Hy-Vee stores raised the donation through customer giving, vendor partnerships and in-store fundraisers.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Southern Wisconsin Hy-Vee stores presented Badger Honor Flight with a $100,000 check on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The donation supports the organization's final 2026 mission, which departs Saturday, November 7, to carry 87 veterans to Washington, D.C.
Why it matters
The gift covers a trip provided at no cost to veterans and marks the first time Hy-Vee has sponsored an Honor Flight in Wisconsin. Badger Honor Flight is also expanding eligibility to Desert Storm-era veterans, widening the number of Wisconsin veterans who can take the trip.
Hy-Vee's $100,000 check covers the sponsorship of one flight carrying 87 veterans from Madison to Washington, D.C. Eligibility now covers those who served between December 7, 1941, and July 31, 1991, regardless of combat service.
The players
Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee is a Midwest-based employee-owned supermarket chain that operates stores across several states and frequently sponsors community and charitable programs.
Badger Honor Flight
Badger Honor Flight is a Wisconsin nonprofit that flies veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service at no cost to them.
The details
Six Hy-Vee stores in Janesville, Oregon, Fitchburg, Ripon and two in Madison raised funds through customer donations, partnerships with local vendors and in-store fundraisers. Other local businesses, including The Pub at Pleasant Springs, Waunahops and the Oregon Sportsman's Club, also contributed.
Timeline
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Hy-Vee presents the $100,000 check to Badger Honor Flight.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: The final 2026 Badger Honor Flight mission departs Madison for Washington, D.C.
Philanthropy Landscape
Badger Honor Flight's decision to open eligibility to Desert Storm-era veterans widens the group of Wisconsin veterans served by its existing Washington, D.C., trips. The Hy-Vee sponsorship is the first time the chain has backed an Honor Flight in Wisconsin, adding a corporate funder to the program's donor base.
Veterans who served between December 7, 1941, and July 31, 1991, can now apply for a no-cost trip to Washington, D.C., regardless of combat service. Shoppers at the participating Hy-Vee stores helped fund the donation through in-store giving and fundraisers.
The takeaway
Customer giving at grocery checkout and small local vendor partnerships can add up to a six-figure gift for a veterans charity. Veterans in the expanded eligibility window can contact Badger Honor Flight to learn how to apply.
What happens next
Fundraising efforts will continue to support future Badger Honor Flight trips.
Further reading
For more on local giving, see Philanthropy coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wmtv15news.
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