Hope For The Warriors Invitational raised more than $150,000

Three-day event held at River Landing raised money to support programs for U.S. service members, veterans and military families

WALLACE, N.C. (August 17, 2018) – A group of nearly 200 golfers, including flag officers, celebrities and combat veterans gathered at River Landing Country Club in Wallace, N.C., this week to support Hope For The Warriors, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring self, family and HOPE for our nation’s service members, veterans and military families. Featuring a community block party, traditional military mess and golf tournament, the Invitational raised over $150,000 to support military families through Hope For The Warriors’ variety of programming focused on clinical health and wellness, transition, sports and recreation.

“Every year I’m amazed how the community of River Landing and Hope For The Warriors supporters from across the country come together in an unrivaled display of generosity to benefit our country’s warriors,” said Hope For The Warriors CEO Robin Kelleher. “It’s a like a family reunion that makes a real, positive impact in raising funds for our programs and services.”

The ninth annual Hope For The Warriors Invitational focused on bridging the gap between the military and civilian communities, while building a deeper understanding and appreciation between the two groups. The three-day event provided plenty of time for group activities and social experiences, bringing together the local communities, and also the celebrities, combat veterans and retired flag officers that were in attendance. Participants represented each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Four-Star General William “Spider” Nyland served as President of the Mess on Sunday night, but many more American heroes participated throughout the event. Retired flag officers in attendance included: LtGen Ray Ayres, USMC (Ret), LtGen Ron Coleman, USMC (Ret), LtGen Walt Gaskin, USMC (Ret), LtGen Bruce Knutson Jr., USMC (Ret), LtGen Gary McKissock, USMC (Ret), MajGen Tom Braaten, USMC (Ret), RADM Tom Cullison, USN (Ret), MajGen Jim Kessler, USMC (Ret), RADM Robert Phillips, USN (Ret), RADM Steven Ratti, USCG (Ret), BG Mabry Martin, NCARNG (Ret), Brig Gen Don Quenneville, USAF (Ret) and BGen Richard Vercauteren, USMC (Ret).

Notable celebrities in attendance included event hosts Johnny Bench and Doug Flynn, as well as Billy Austin, Jeff Bostic, Dillon Dixon, Ken Duke, Kelly Edge, Randy LaJoie, John Ligato, Jack Marin, Jim McMahon, Tim Miller, Chris Mohr, Austin Petty, Rex Ryan, Rick Seratte, Jim Stuckey, Teresa Wade, Dereck Whittenburg and D. Vincent Williams.

With the continued support of Dell and Wendy Murphy and the River Landing community, the Hope For The Warriors Invitational has raised over $1 million dollars since 2010. This year’s event was made possible by Dell Computers and Murphy Family Ventures, as well as several other partners and supporters.