Registration is open for the 17th Annual Kayak for the Warriors hosted by the Town of Pine Knoll Shores. The multi-day event features a Golf Ball Drop, Warrior Reception and silent and live auctions, golf tournament and kickoff party and 3.2-mile kayak and paddle board event, and barbecue lunch benefiting Hope For The Warriors.

New this year, the Golf Ball Drop will kick off this year’s series of events Thursday, May 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Crystal Coast County Club near the tennis facility. Participants can purchase one golf ball for $20 and/or three or more will receive a 10 percent discount. $1,000 will be awarded to the closest ball to the pin. Other prize opportunities are available as well. Only 300 golf balls will be sold, and you do not need to be present to win. Online purchases can be made or available by emailing golfcoordinator@k4tw.org.

The Warrior Reception and Auctions will take place Tuesday, May 30, 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 be online beginning May 23. It will close out at the reception, but everyone can continue bidding up until the close. Online registration to attend is required and will close May 24.

Saturday, June 1, the signature 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 $5 for kids 15-years-old and under.

A kickoff party for the golf tournament at the Tipsy Turtle in Atlantic Beach will be Thursday, June 6, from 4 -8 p.m. Guests can enjoy music, DJ, food, 50/50 raffles, wine and dine tickets and door prizes. No tickets necessary.

Friday, June 7, the Fifth 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 closes June 5.

“As we approach our 17th year in our efforts to support HOPE, it is with gratitude that I thank the hundreds of volunteers and donors who have so generously supported us,” shared event organizer Jean McDanal. “The enthusiasm and dedication of all involved does not seem to diminish. In fact, we are adding another event to our repertoire - a Ball Drop at the Crystal Coast Country Club, on Thursday, May 16. This should be lots of fun with music, drink, and food available.”

“Hope For The Warriors has been able to grow over the years thanks to the longstanding support of the Town of Pine Knoll Shores and its many dedicated volunteers,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and president of the nonprofit organization. “HOPE was born right here in Eastern North Carolina thanks to dedicated military families and supporters like them, and we’re always thrilled to be back with our friends at Pine Knoll Shores each year.”

Since 2008, Kayak for the Warriors has raised over $876,000 benefiting Hope For The Warriors and its programs.

Founded aboard Camp Lejeune, Hope For The Warriors is a nonprofit that assists veterans, service members and military families by providing financial, career and educational stability; physical and emotional strength; and social support that builds community.

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.