Chip Hilton Classic Foundation Reception

Photography By Mike Booini

The Hilton Family invited guests to the Sixth Annual Chip Hilton Celebration of Life Charity Golf Classic in honor of their cherished son and brother, Loyd Charles “Chip” Hilton III. A reception preceded the golf tournament at the Hilton Residence, a masterpiece of architecture situated on the Gulf of Mexico.

In memory of Chip Hilton, the proceeds from the tournament benefited First Tee of Northwest Florida. First Tee’s mission is to positively impact the lives of young people by promoting character development and life-enhancing values through its “Life Skills Learning Experience.” The program teaches the game of golf and builds core values such as: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgment.

“First Tee of Northwest Florida’s mission reflects Chip’s love of playing and teaching golf during his lifetime,’ said Julie Hilton about her late brother.

The funds raised to date by the Chip Hilton Classic have been used to buy equipment, provide education critical to training, and support to include golf in the physical education programs of Girls Inc. of Bay County and 13 Bay County elementary schools. First Tee of Northwest Florida in conjunction with Holiday Golf Club, plans to implement golf programs in all Bay County public and private elementary schools by 2017.

The First Tee of Northwest Florida strives in particular to reach young people who otherwise might not have an opportunity to learn and play the game of golf and to learn its inherent values. The organization is committed to growing the game while nsuring that their programs are accessible and affordable to all youth of all backgrounds and physical abilities.