Photo caption: (left to right): World Series champions Doug Flynn and Johnny Bench at the 2024 Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational, warrior night.
For more Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational photos, visit https://bit.ly/46xO0i4
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (August 11, 2025) – The 16th Annual Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational will be held at River Landing in Wallace, North Carolina, Monday, August 25. The annual golf tournament focuses on building a deeper understanding and appreciation between the military and civilian communities by playing host to local military and civilian community members and celebrities, while raising funds for Hope For The Warriors (HOPE).
Founded in 2006 aboard Camp Lejeune, HOPE assists post 9/11 veterans, service members and military families with services that range from critical needs assistance to career and financial coaching to forging community connections through physical activity and caring for mental health and offering peer support.
This year the multi-day event features events at The Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub, River Landing and its clubhouse. Saturday, August 23, the Mad Boar will host the public celebrity autograph night in the Meade Room at 6 p.m. with Johnny Bench, Doug Flynn and Craig Conover, with the East Bound Trio playing at 8 p.m. The par-3 challenge, warrior night and after party will take place Sunday, August 24.
Wrapping up the multi-day events Monday, August 25 are the Celebrity Invitational golf tournament and karaoke party. The Celebrity Invitational is hosted by World Series champions Johnny Bench and Doug Flynn with the longstanding support of the River Landing community and its residents.
Service members and veterans are teamed with celebrities, flag officers and HOPE supporters in an event with nearly 200 golfers. Opening ceremonies will take place just outside the River Landing clubhouse at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m.
“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. “It’s a heartfelt reminder of the strength within the military community and how they lift one another up and stand shoulder to shoulder through every challenge. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Murphy family and the River Landing community, our families are not only welcomed, they’re surrounded by a sense of belonging that stays with them long after the event ends.”
With the continued support of the Murphy family and the River Landing community, the Hope For The Warriors Invitational has raised over $2.3 million since 2010.
“The River Landing community truly has a passion and heart for our local military families and beyond,” said Wendy Murphy, event host committee chair. “Each year, we all come together to support the work that Hope For The Warriors’ is doing by raising critical funds for its programs. Our community and the Murphy family will never forget or take for granted the sacrifices military members and their families continue to make for all of us.”
Celebrities confirmed for part, or all of the Celebrity Invitational include hosts and World Series champions and MLB players Bench and Flynn and Nelson Figueroa, former NFL players Chris Mohr, Adrian Murrell and Jim Thorton, former NBA player Jack Marin, Bravo cast member Craig Conover, singer/songwriters Dillion Dixon, Teresa Wade, HGTV host Kelly Edge, actors AJ Buckley, Judd Lormand, Kawa Mawlayee, Jaylen Moore, David Robinson, Michael Weston, comedian Eric Tansey and more.
For more information on the 16th Annual Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Hope For The Warriors
Erin McCloskey
erin@etmccloskey.com
(336) 207-5222
ABOUT HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS
Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) is a national leader driving transformative change for the post-9/11 U.S. military community (including veterans and active-duty service members as well as military caregivers, spouses and family members, and families of the fallen). At HOPE, our mission is to deliver unparalleled services that uplift individuals and their families as they navigate the complexities of military life. We are committed to fostering resilience and a sense of purpose, ensuring that those who have served our nation will thrive. Together, we forge a strong community that champions courage, commitment, and grit. To learn more or support our mission, visit hopeforthewarriors.org.
