Bowtie Classic: 12 years of raising funds for public education!
Beginning in 2014 and continuing through 2025, the Bowtie Classic Golf Outing and Knowledge Open was a successful annual fundraiser in support of classroom grants and other LPEF programs. Read about Bowtie Classic events from 2014 through 2025.
The beloved event was named in honor of Dr. Charles Miller III, a co-founder of LPEF and a longtime member of the Board of Education in La Crosse. Dr. Miller — who was known for his signature bowties — was a surgeon at Gundersen Health System. He died unexpectedly while playing racquetball in May 2011. Susan Miller and her family were involved participants in making the event in Dr. Miller’s honor so successful through the years.
The Bowtie Classic included a unique spin, with National Honor Society students at each hole asking teams trivia questions for an opportunity to improve their golf score. The prize for the top three – and last place – teams was the chance to direct a grant to a school of their choice. $16,000 was directed to schools through these grants over the life of the tournament and over $250,000 was raised over all for LPEF programs!
Bowtie Raffle continues in 2026
While 2025 was the final year for the Bowtie Classic Golf Outing and Knowledge Open, we are excited to continue holding the Bowtie Raffle in 2026, with tickets on sale in August and the prize drawing in September! Details will be shared on our Facebook page and in our e-newsletter. Sign up to get these brief monthly updates so you don’t miss out!