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Greg Olsen just dropped the details on his fifth annual HEARTest Yard Celebrity Classic, and the lineup already has fans buzzing. The former Carolina Panthers tight end and current NFL broadcaster is bringing NFL heavyweights and major entertainment names together June 7 and 8 at Kiawah Island Club’s Cassique course for one powerful cause: helping kids with congenital heart disease and their families.
The two-day event kicks off Sunday evening with a welcome reception, benefit concert, and live-silent auction at the River Course. Monday morning, the real action hits the links with a star-studded golf round. Tickets and sponsorships are live now, and the buzz is real — this is the kind of crossover event that turns a charity day into must-see entertainment.
The Star Power Turning Heads in 2026
Expect familiar faces from the gridiron and the spotlight. Confirmed to tee it up Monday are NFL broadcaster Cris Collinsworth, Bravo’s Southern Charm stars Austen Kroll and Shep Rose, plus Olsen’s former Panthers teammates Luke Kuechly and Jonathan Stewart. Sunday night’s concert features live performances from Thomas McClary of The Commodores, Mark Bryan of Hootie & the Blowfish, Ryan Cabrera, Hannah Ellis, and Nick Wayne — a mix that screams high-energy night under the Kiawah stars.
You could feel the electricity last year when similar crowds showed up. Fans lined the fairways, phones out, cheering every drive while the pros and celebs swapped stories between holes. This year’s edition feels even bigger.
Why This Cause Hits So Close to Home for Greg Olsen
Greg and his wife Kara launched The HEARTest Yard in 2012 after their son T.J. was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. What followed was years of hospital stays, a heart transplant in 2021, and a fierce determination to make sure no other family had to navigate the emotional and financial weight alone. Their foundation now funds private nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy, and the HEARTest Yard Family Wellness and Resource Center at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston.
Since the first Celebrity Classic in 2022, the event has raised $1.2 million. Organizers say this fifth year should push the lifetime total past $1.5 million. Every dollar goes straight to supporting heart families across the Carolinas — no fluff, just real help.
How the Weekend Unfolds — And Why Fans Can’t Stop Talking
Sunday, June 7: Welcome reception, live auction, and concert with the headliners above.
Monday, June 8: Golf at Cassique — the same award-winning course that’s hosted the event before — followed by media availability with Greg Olsen at 9 a.m. at the clubhouse.
Presented by Hendrick Lexus Charleston and backed by South Street Partners, the weekend blends serious fundraising with the kind of fun only a tight-knit sports-and-entertainment crowd can deliver. South Street Partners managing partner Chris Randolph put it perfectly: giving back sits at the heart of everything they do at Kiawah Island Club.
Mark Scheurer, M.D., MUSC chief of Children’s and Women’s Services, added that the center’s support makes overwhelmed caregivers feel confident and backed — exactly the difference these families need.
“We are honored to host The HEARTest Yard Celebrity Classic for the fifth year… These events have raised more than $1 million to fund pediatric cardiovascular services.” — Chris Randolph, South Street Partners
Official MUSC announcement, June 1, 2026
| Year | Amount Raised | Total to Date (as of 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2025 | $1.2 million | $1.2 million |
| 2026 Goal | — | $1.5 million+ |
The numbers tell the story, but the real impact shows up in the families who get in-home care, therapy sessions, and emotional support that lets kids focus on just being kids.
Save the Date — This One’s Going to Be Special
Whether you follow the Panthers, love Southern Charm, or simply want to see music legends and NFL icons trading putts for a great cause, Greg Olsen’s Celebrity Classic 2026 delivers. The blend of sports, music, and Hollywood energy on one of America’s most beautiful golf courses makes it one of the summer’s most anticipated charity events.
Head to the official HEARTest Yard site for tickets, sponsorship packages, or ways to donate even if you can’t make it to Kiawah. One thing’s certain: when these worlds collide, hearts win.
