02/19/2015
FAREWELL ANNOUNCEMENT
To all of our Soldiers, Supporters, Donors, Family, and Friends,
It has been more than 25 years since we launched our first-ever ArenaTilton event back in 1988 on the playgrounds of Park Street in Kennebunk, Maine. During our time, we have held 7 basketball tournaments, 14 golf events, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity, and distributed thousands of t-shirts hoping to inspire others to battle through life’s challenges. We have had a great run, spanning more than half of our lives.
For years, the two of us agreed to walk away if and when the time felt right – without regret. This past year gave us an opportunity to reflect on our past and look ahead to our futures. With family, work, and personal priorities evolving, we came to the realization that now was our time. So it is with mixed emotions that we announce today that we have made the difficult decision to retire ArenaTilton.
Although the organization and our events will retire, the battle in each of us continues. And we hope the residual value of our battle anthem stays with all of you for many years to come. Personally, ArenaTilton has proven to be far more than we ever imagined it could be – more than just an event and more than just a charity. We never thought that this one small idea from our childhood would come to shape who we are as adults, fathers, husbands, friends, and colleagues. We are grateful that ArenaTilton has been a cornerstone in the foundation of our lives.
We have closed the doors on our 501c3 status, turned off the lights a long time ago on our basketball event, and now the sun has set on our golf tournament. But what will remain are the lasting memories from hoops games that inspired our first use of the word “battle,” to the many golf events that felt bigger than the Ryder Cup itself, to great people who have impacted us with their stories of perseverance and triumph in the face of adversity.
Over 25 years, our lives have been deeply impacted by the more than 500 athletes who have participated, and the countless people who have donated to, or sacrificed for, our cause. To all of you, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You were what made ArenaTilton special and we are truly grateful.
BATTLE,
Christopher and Nathaniel
