By Rachael Lindley
Photos courtesy of Fort Worth Colonial Charities
The Charles Schwab Challenge returns May 25–31 for the 80th Anniversary at Colonial Country Club, bringing Fort Worth locals and visitors together for the iconic tournament. Alongside the competition, Fort Worth Colonial Charities (FWCC) supports its community.
FWCC is often misunderstood at first glance. It is not a collection of separate nonprofits, but rather a single, evolving organization built around a series of targeted initiatives — each designed to generate meaningful, measurable impact across the greater Fort Worth community.
At its foundation are two primary programs: a robust military initiative and Birdies for Charity, the organization’s long-running community fundraising platform. Surrounding those pillars is a broader ecosystem that includes collegiate golf tournaments, the prestigious Ben Hogan Award, and cornerstone events like Executive Women’s Day. Together, they form a model that is less about ownership and more about amplification.
“We’re looking to make an impact,” Jim Leito, FWCC treasurer, says. “And impact is not always financial.”
That philosophy guides nearly every decision. Rather than focusing solely on writing checks, FWCC positions itself as both a connector and a catalyst — leveraging the reach of the Charles Schwab Challenge, its deep community ties, and a growing network of partners to elevate other nonprofits that create the ecosystem for Birdies for Charities. Time, talent, visibility, and access are treated as valuable currency alongside dollars raised.
That strategy comes into sharp focus each May, when FWCC’s work shifts from behind-the-scenes planning to a highly visible, weeklong series of events that bring the mission to life.
“It all kicks off with our junior golf festival,” says president and CEO Brian Estridge. Held in partnership with First Tee and open to the public, the free event invites children from across the community — many through organizations like Hope Farm, the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA — to experience the game in an approachable, celebratory setting. “We just want to expose kids to the game of golf,” Estridge says.
From there, momentum builds quickly.
Tournament week begins with the arrival of the nation’s top collegiate golfers for the Ben Hogan Award, often referred to as the “Heisman Trophy of college golf.” Finalists participate in events throughout the weekend, culminating in a nationally broadcast, black-tie ceremony that places Fort Worth squarely on the national stage.
“It’s a really big deal,” Estridge says. “There’s a lot of attention on Fort Worth, and it reinforces our identity as the Capital of College Golf.”
That identity is not incidental. With the Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational presented by Charles Schwab and the Charles Schwab Women’s Collegiate Invitationals, the Hogan Award, and a PGA Tour stop all anchored at Colonial, the organization has carved out a unique position in the golf world — one that it uses to drive broader community impact.
Philanthropy continues the following day with Executive Women’s Day, a gathering that blends high-level networking with charitable giving. The event brings together female leaders from across North Texas for a speaker series focused on leadership, balance, and professional growth, all while generating significant funding for local nonprofits.
Then, perhaps the most emotional moment of the week: the Patriots Luncheon.
In partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation and corporate sponsors, Hillwood, Higginbotham and Vermeer, Fort Worth Colonial Charities presents mortgage-free homes to military families — often Gold Star families that have lost an immediate family member in the line of duty — in a ceremony that underscores the organization’s commitment to service.
The Patriots Luncheon and Patriots Outpost will host 4,000 active-duty and retired military during Charles Schwab Challenge week, offering food, parking, and entertainment. Supporting our military—especially NAS JRB Fort Worth—aligns with the FWCC’s mission to honor veterans through meaningful connections, resources, and efforts that improve their quality of life.
“It’s a key part of what we do,” Estridge says. “We want to have a real connection and an impactful influence at NAS JRB – a base that is vital to the future of Fort Worth and Tarrant County. ”
Throughout the tournament, additional efforts, from the 50/50 raffle to the ongoing Birdies for Charity campaign, continue to build financial support for dozens of participating nonprofits. But even here, the emphasis remains on scale and intention. Over $200 million dollars has been generated over the years to support 33 Tarrant County Charities through the Birdies for Charities program.
“We produce events that generate revenue dollars that we can turn around and be impactful in the community,” Estridge explains. “We don’t want to just spread small amounts around; we want to do things that truly make an impact.”
The organization’s mindset echoes that impact is about more than money. It’s about creating opportunities, building partnerships, and using a well-established platform to elevate others.
By design, Colonial Charities does not seek to stand alone. Instead, it operates as a force multiplier, bringing together golf, philanthropy, and community in ways that extend far beyond tournament week. And in a city already known for its generosity, that approach is gaining momentum.
Upcoming Events
First Tee Junior Golf Festival
Friday, May 15, 2026 at Rockwood Golf
Ben Hogan Award Dinner
Monday, May 25, 2026
Executive Women’s Day
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
The Patriots Luncheon
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the Course