The 2026 Fighter Country Foundation VIP Reception and Golf Classic once again demonstrated why it has become one of Arizona’s most respected events for the construction, commercial real estate, and business communities.
Held in May at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, the annual event brought together contractors, developers, brokers, property owners, military leadership, veterans, and community advocates with a shared purpose: supporting Luke Air Force Base and the Airmen and families who serve our nation every day.
Behind the Scenes of an Exceptional Event
Great events do not happen by accident.
The 2026 VIP Reception, Afterburner Experience, and Golf Classic represented months of planning, coordination, sponsor engagement, logistics management, and attendee experience design. Behind much of that effort was Bjerk Builders’ Director of Business Development, Kate Perrin, who served as Co-Chair for this year’s event.
Anyone who attended likely saw Kate welcoming sponsors, assisting military guests, coordinating volunteers, greeting golfers, supporting Fighter Country Foundation leadership, and helping ensure every detail aligned with the Foundation’s reputation. What many may not have seen were the countless hours invested long before the first guest arrived.
As Co-Chair, Kate played a central role in organizing and executing many of the event’s moving pieces, from sponsor coordination and attendee communications to event logistics, hospitality planning, and experience development. Her involvement extended well beyond traditional committee participation. She became one of the driving forces helping transform a great event into a memorable one.
For Bjerk Builders, this level of commitment comes as no surprise.
Those who know Kate know she approaches community involvement the same way our teams approach construction projects: with ownership, attention to detail, and a belief that every interaction matters.
A Reflection of Fighter Country Foundation’s Mission
At its core, the success of the 2026 event is a reflection of what Fighter Country Foundation has accomplished over many years.
The Foundation has built a reputation for delivering real support to Airmen, military families, and mission-critical initiatives connected to Luke Air Force Base. Its impact extends well beyond fundraising, creating lasting partnerships between Arizona’s business community and the military organizations that play such a vital role in the state’s economy and identity.
While full teams of people contributed to the success of the 2026 VIP Reception, Afterburner Experience, and Golf Classic, Kate’s leadership as Co-Chair helped ensure that attendees experienced an event worthy of Fighter Country Foundation‘s legacy and reputation.
The result was more than a successful fundraiser. It was a celebration of service, partnership, leadership, and community, and a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when dedicated people come together around a meaningful mission.
