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PINE KNOLL SHORES, N.C. (April 29, 2025) – Registration is now open for the 18th Annual Kayak for the Warriors hosted by the Town of Pine Knoll Shores. The multi-day event features a kickoff party, golf tournament, Warrior Reception and silent and live auctions, golf ball drop and the signature 3.2-mile kayak and paddle board event, and barbecue lunch benefiting Hope For The Warriors.
Starting the series of events is the annual kickoff party at the Tipsy Turtle in Atlantic Beach Thursday, May 29 from 4 – 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy music, DJ, food, 50/50 raffles, wine and dine tickets and door prizes. No tickets necessary.
Friday, May 30, the annual Kayak for the Warriors Golf Tournament kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at the Crystal Coast Country Club. The shotgun start tournament is $100 per player and includes 18 holes of golf, cart, and lunch. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place teams, the longest drive, closest to the pin and more. Players will also be able to purchase mulligans. Online registration is required and is known to close out early.
The Warrior Reception and Auctions will take place Thursday, June 5 from 4 – 7 p.m. Hosted at the Crystal Coast Country Club, the $25 ticket per person price includes hors d’oeuvres, music, silent and live auctions. The silent auction will begin online May 29 and will close out at the reception. Online registration is required to attend and will close May 28.
Saturday, June 7, the kayak and stand-up paddle board event begins at 10 a.m. The 3.2-mile paddle starts at Garner Park and moves through Bogue Sound and the Pine Knoll Shores canals. Registration is $50 for a single kayak/paddle board and $100 for a tandem. Both include a t-shirt and lunch. Online registration is suggested and closes May 31. There is also onsite registration the day of the event.
The Warrior Trophy is awarded to the paddler or team who brings in the most donations.
For those preferring to stay on land while supporting local veterans, military members and families, lunch is available for $10 per adult and $15 for family.
Concluding the series of events is the Golf Ball Drop Thursday, June 12 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Crystal Coast County Club near the tennis facility. Each golf ball is $2. $1,000 will be awarded to the closest ball to the pin with additional prize opportunities available. Participants do not need to be present to win and purchases can be made by emailing golfcoordinator@k4tw.org. Spectators are welcome to enjoy food and drinks available for purchase and music for entertainment.
The Wine & Dine Tickets – $10 each – as well as the ball drop tickets can be purchased online by going to k4tw.org. The Wine & Dine Basket will be awarded at the Ball Drop.
“The Kayak for the Warrior events continue to stand as a testament to the dedication and resilience of our community,” Jean McDanal, event coordinator. “This year, we are not only celebrating the courage and strength of our warriors, but also the unwavering commitment of our volunteers and the support of our local partners. The success of these events would not be possible without the tireless efforts of everyone involved—volunteers, participants, and community members alike. Together, we are making a real difference, and we are so grateful for each person who contributes to this incredible journey.”
Since 2008, Kayak for the Warriors has raised over $1 million benefiting Hope For The Warriors and its programs.
“The Kayak for the Warriors event is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary bond between our military families and the communities that support them. Since our founding in Eastern North Carolina, Hope For The Warriors is thriving because of the dedication of local partners like the generous Town of Pine Knoll Shores, said Robin Kelleher, founder and CEO of Hope For The Warriors. “This is more than just a fundraiser. We’re incredibly proud to be part of this community partnership.”
Founded aboard Camp Lejeune, Hope For The Warriors is a nonprofit with a mission to deliver unparalleled services that uplift individuals and their families as they navigate the complexities of military life.
To learn more about Kayak for the Warriors or to purchase tickets or register for any event, visit k4tw.org or for questions email coordinator@k4tw.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.
