The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation brought its signature blend of charity, sports, and star power back to the Bahamas, closing out its third annual Celebrity Invitational with more than $1 million raised for young people in underserved communities.
According to The Nassau Guardian, the three-day gathering took place at Baha Mar, where actors, athletes, and entertainers joined Wahlberg himself to support programs benefiting inner-city youth across the United States.
This year’s schedule centered around the Celebrity-Amateur golf tournament held at the Royal Blue Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus–designed venue known for its sweeping fairways and views.
Guests spent the week playing, networking, and taking part in a series of events hosted across the resort, which spans Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood properties along Cable Beach.
Boyz II Men provided the grand finale with a packed performance at Jon Batiste’s Jazz Club. The group moved through a blend of their classic hits and rock-leaning covers before closing the set with “I’ll Make Love to You.” As the song wrapped, they passed out single red roses to audience members.
The event’s fundraising total will help the Foundation continue its long-standing mission of supporting youth service organizations. Since its launch in 2001, the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation has contributed nearly $20 million to community programs nationwide.
Wahlberg emphasized that the success of this year’s invitational will directly expand that reach, saying the proceeds will help young people “overcome barriers and achieve success.”
The Invitational also had a local impact. The Foundation donated $50,000 to the Baha Mar Foundation to support youth and community programs throughout The Bahamas.
Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar, noted that more than 200 guests traveled to the islands specifically for the event and highlighted the importance of partnerships that strengthen both tourism and community investment.
Celebrity participants included Anthony Anderson, Brett Young, Bode Miller, Roger Clemens, Wayne Gretzky, Benjamin Bratt, Ed Burns, and Marcus Allen—each taking part in rounds of golf, evening events, and the week’s philanthropic initiatives.
Chick Lee, CFO and principal at ICON International, credited the collaboration between the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, Baha Mar, Viant Technology, and JP Sports + Entertainment for making the Invitational possible, calling the resort a “world-class venue” for the experience.