WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The 15th annual Hope for the Warriors Celebrity Invitational kicked off this weekend at Mad Boar Restaurant in Wallace.
Hope for the Warriors is an organization that supports military members and veterans.
They invited community and notable people to spend time with the members and learn more about their way of life.
“We connect the military with a lot of civilians and share their experiences in the military. They get to know our military members and the challenges they face and their lifestyle,” says CEO and founder Robin Kelleher.
Kelleher says it's important to hold events like this so people know why we support our troops, even when we're not at war.
Professional athletes, media personalities and actors mingled with attendees at Friday's celebrity autograph session.
Former MLB player Doug Flynn attends the event every year in hopes of making an impact. “There's always a way that each of us can give back, and as a former baseball player, I know there are people out there who love to talk baseball, and if that's my job, then so be it,” Flynn says.
Flynn also wants veterans to know they are valued: “I want to be here to thank you for all your service, because you gave me a chance to live the life I wanted as a professional athlete.”
The event continued Sunday night with what organizers called “Warrior Night,” a diner-style dinner where military personnel traditionally gather in large groups to eat together.
The event aims to give participants a military experience.
Everyone in the room had to ask permission to speak from the chairman at the head table before speaking on the microphone, and anyone who spoke out of order or moved around without permission had to pay a “diner fine,” which was donated to the organization.
Many people donated large amounts to this charity.
Veterans say they are happy to be able to take part in such an event.
“It's great when organizations invite families to events like this because it allows us to reunite, relieve stress and live a life worthy of the sacrifices made by our comrades,” said Kevin Bittenbender, who has been in the Army for 34 years.
The final event of the 15th annual Hope for the Warriors Celebrity Invitational will be held on Monday.
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