Star Athletes Unite for Charity: Highlights from the 2026 Pacific Life Celebrity Classic

The Pacific Life Celebrity Classic and Athletes First Celebrity Waiter Night kicked off Hoag Classic week with enthusiasm, attracting a multitude of celebrity athletes to support a noble cause. Held in Newport Beach, California, these events intended to fund Hoag’s health services, marking an essential step towards enhancing care in Orange County.

An Evening of Philanthropy

On March 21, the Athletes First Celebrity Waiter Night brought the VEA Newport Beach to life, as several current and former professional athletes swapped their jerseys for waiter aprons. The evening’s lineup included standout names like Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud and San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. Other notable attendees included Baltimore Ravens' star Derrick Henry and Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Daniel Jones. This charitable affair aimed to support the Hoag Hospital Foundation and its Boldly Hoag campaign, dedicated to expanding healthcare facilities at the Sun Family Campus in Irvine.

Attendees had the rare opportunity to connect personally with their favorite sports icons while enjoying culinary delights provided by the local community. Such interactions not only made the night more memorable but also spotlighted the athletes' commitment to giving back to the community.

Championship Golf on the Greens

The excitement continued on March 22 as the Pacific Life Celebrity Classic transformed the Newport Beach Country Club into a battleground for friendly competition. Featuring over 70 celebrated athletes and celebrities, the golf tournament aimed to foster goodwill while raising funds for Hoag's initiatives. At the end of an energetic day, Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy and Kansas City quarterback Jake Haener emerged victorious, claiming the 2026 Pacific Life Celebrity Classic title.

The tournament attracted golf legends and rising stars alike, including household names like Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr., and the legendary Jerry Rice, creating a fusion of sportsmanship and entertainment that delighted fans and participants alike.

A Collective Effort Towards a Noble Cause

Brian Murphy, CEO and President of Athletes First, expressed gratitude for the collective effort that fueled the event's success. "These events bring together the Athletes First family to create meaningful impact in our community. We're thrilled to continue supporting Hoag's mission to expand care in Orange County," he said.

Andrew Guarni, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hoag, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that such initiatives highlight the importance of community and philanthropy. With the backing of Pacific Life, the athletes, and the guests, the raised funds will significantly contribute to Hoag's endeavor in ensuring top-notch healthcare services for the local community.

These celebrations mark an exciting lead-up to the Hoag Classic tournament, set for March 27-29, 2026. Golf legends from the PGA TOUR Champions circuit will compete, continuing the tradition of raising funds for various charitable causes, including Hoag.

The Spirit of Giving Through Sports

The events surrounding the Hoag Classic serve not only as captivating spectacles but also as reminders of how sports can foster community spirit and contribute to important causes. The celebrity appearances and fundraising events reflect a united front of athletes dedicated to making a positive impact beyond their fields of play.

The Hoag Classic is recognized as one of the PGA TOUR Champions’ most significant philanthropic events, having raised over $25 million to date for local charities. As this year's tournament approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be another exciting chapter in this impactful event.

For more information on the Hoag Classic or to get involved, visit HoagClassic.com or follow @HoagClassic on social media.