The 16th Annual Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational brings together professional athletes, Hollywood actors, and military leaders in Wallace, North Carolina, starting Monday, August 25, 2025. Hosted at River Landing, the multi-day golf tournament and charity event honors post-9/11 service members while raising critical funds for national veteran support programs.
Here is the kicker:
Charity golf tournaments often lean heavily on corporate networking, but this specific gathering has quietly built a $2.3 million fundraising engine since 2010.
The Bottom Line
- The Dates: Multi-day events run from Saturday, August 23, through Monday, August 25, 2025, at River Landing and The Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub in Wallace, N.C.
- The Mission: Founded in 2006 aboard Camp Lejeune, Hope For The Warriors provides post-9/11 veterans and military families with critical needs assistance, career coaching, and physical activity programs.
- The Star Power: World Series champions Johnny Bench and Doug Flynn lead a roster featuring MLB, NFL, and NBA alumni alongside television actors and singer/songwriters.
A Weekend of Public Autographs and Par-3 Challenges
The multi-day itinerary kicks off ahead of the Monday tournament to maximize community engagement. According to event organizers, the public can catch a celebrity autograph night on Saturday, August 23, at 6 p.m. inside the Meade Room at The Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub, featuring Johnny Bench, Doug Flynn, and Bravo cast member Craig Conover, followed by an evening performance from the East Bound Trio.
Sunday shifts the momentum outdoors with a competitive par-3 challenge, followed by warrior night and an after-party.
“The Invitational is one of the most meaningful times of the year for us, a celebration of connection, resilience, and shared purpose,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and CEO of Hope For The Warriors, highlighting the ongoing effort to build mutual understanding between military and civilian populations.
Inside the Roster: From World Series Champions to Bravo Stars
The greens at River Landing will host nearly 200 golfers, including service members paired directly with sports legends, flag officers, and entertainment personalities. World Series champions Johnny Bench and Doug Flynn return as official hosts, anchoring a lineup that reflects a diverse cross-section of pop culture and athletics.
Confirmed participants spanning television, sports, and music include former MLB player Nelson Figueroa, former NFL players Chris Mohr, Adrian Murrell, and Jim Thorton, and former NBA player Jack Marin. Reality television representation comes via Bravo cast member Craig Conover, while the entertainment slate features singer/songwriters Dillon Dixon and Teresa Wade, HGTV host Kelly Edge, and actors AJ Buckley, Judd Lormand, Kawa Mawlayee, Jaylen Moore, David Robinson, and Michael Weston, alongside comedian Eric Tansey.
| Event Detail | Schedule | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Public Autograph Night | Saturday, August 23, 2025 (6:00 PM) | The Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub (Meade Room), Wallace, N.C. |
| Par-3 Challenge & Warrior Night | Sunday, August 24, 2025 | River Landing |
| Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament | Monday, August 25, 2025 (9:30 AM Shotgun Start) | River Landing, Wallace, N.C. |
Community Support and Long-Term Impact
The local backing in Wallace remains central to the tournament’s longevity. Wendy Murphy, event host committee chair, emphasized the deep ties between the River Landing community and local service members, noting the Murphy family’s continuous dedication to the cause.
Since its inception on Camp Lejeune in 2006, Hope For The Warriors has expanded its national footprint. However, the Wallace invitational remains a cornerstone fundraiser, relying on regional hospitality and celebrity visibility to sustain peer support, financial coaching, and mental health initiatives for post-9/11 families.
How do you view the role of celebrity-backed charity tournaments in sustaining long-term veteran support? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
