Freeze Out for the Fisher House – Fargo
February 6, 2026 - February 7, 2026
On February 6–7, local veterans and community supporters will brave two full days of North Dakota winter outside West Acres Mall as part of the Freeze Out for the Fisher House, a grassroots effort to raise awareness and support for the construction of Fisher House North Dakota.
As one event organizer and Freeze Out participant, Tom Krabbenhoft of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA), put it:
“We’re freezin’ for a reason this season, braving the cold today to bring warmth to Veteran families in the future. We’re enduring hardships so our families don’t have to.”
The Freeze Out symbolizes the challenges military and veteran families often face during medical crises: long distances, difficult weather, and limited options for staying close to their loved ones. By stepping into the cold, volunteers hope to draw attention to the importance of building a Fisher House in Fargo, a place where families can remain together, warm, and supported when it matters most.
About Fisher House North Dakota
Fisher House North Dakota will be a 13,400+ square foot home with 16 suites, designed to provide free lodging for more than 23,000 family members each year whose loved ones are receiving care at the Fargo VA Medical Center. Families from across North Dakota, 18 counties in Minnesota, and parts of South Dakota will benefit.
Construction costs — including the building, furnishings, landscaping, and artwork — are estimated at $8 million. Once built, ongoing operations will be fully funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, ensuring long-term stability for families who need it most.
How the Community Can Participate
Throughout the two-day Freeze Out, the public is invited to drive by, meet the veterans and volunteers taking on the cold, and learn more about the mission behind the future Fisher House. Visitors are welcome to stop for a warm cup of coffee, enjoy a cookie, share a conversation, and offer support in any way they feel called to, whether that’s learning about the project, spreading the word, or donating to the effort.
Even a simple drive-by wave or hello goes a long way in encouraging those who are out in the elements for this cause. Every interaction helps build awareness for a home that will one day bring comfort to thousands of families.
Why This Matters
When a service member or veteran requires medical care, their family should not have to worry about lodging costs, long commutes, or staying far from their loved one during a difficult time. Fisher Houses across the nation ensure that families never face these moments alone.
By gathering in the heart of a North Dakota winter, the Freeze Out community is helping lay the groundwork for a future facility that will keep families close, warm, and supported during medical treatment.
For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact Tom Krabbenhoft (11BTWK@gmail.com), Austen Schauer (aschauer@ndlegis.gov), or Rachel Olson (rachel.olson@gotorazor.com).
Hosted by the North Dakota Friends of the Fisher House Foundation in partnership with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA). This effort supports the construction of Fisher House North Dakota and is not hosted or sponsored by the Fisher House Foundation.
