Bowen Invitational raises more than $1-million for Central Texas charities

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - It was a record-breaking fundraiser for a local foundation that gives a helping hand to dozens of nonprofits in Central Texas as Wade Bowen’s annual golf tournament raised over 1.2 million dollars.

The Bowen Invitational was hosted by the Bowen Family Foundation, a foundation founded by Waco native Wade Bowen and his family to help better the lives of children, families and their communities.

The Bowen Family Foundation has doled out millions of dollars to local organizations including JMB Fishing Foundation, Reach Therapeutic Center, The Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children, Archway of Hope, Bikers Against Child Abuse, The Mentoring Alliance and many more.

“The Bowen Family Foundation is very proud to help children and families find a better day,” Wade said. “That’s really what we wake up to do and it’s a lot of fun.”

The foundation has also cleared the school supply wish lists of hundreds of teachers in Central Texas.

At Christmas, the foundation adopts two entire Waco ISD elementary schools and buys gifts for the students through the “Make-A-Wish Come True” program founded by late University High School Soccer Coach Mike Chapman.

“Like I tell everybody, we are the ones raising the money and having a lot of fun doing it but it’s so nice and rewarding to be able to give to those in the trenches every single day that are literally keeping people alive,” Wade said. “It’s amazing to be a part of it.”

This year the tournament took place over three days at Horseshow Bay Resort and included 144 golfers, which was invitation only.

“We had the biggest turnout we’ve ever had,” Wade said. “It was sold out for the first time, and we had a waiting list.”

The golfers hit the links on Sunday and Monday.

Monday night, an auction was held which raised thousands of additional dollars.

The weekend culminated with a Wade & Friends jam concert, which included artists Jack Ingram, Randy Rogers, Cody Canada, Koe Wetzel, Kevin Fowler, Mike Ryan, Ty Myers, Parker McCollum, William Clark Green and Pat Green.

Bowen said while the event was a blast, helping others is what it’s all about.

“I love playing music and I love playing golf but giving those in need a helping hand is really the most rewarding thing I do,” Wade said. “So, I’m very very appreciative and thankful to everyone that supported our foundation this year and beyond and we’re very blessed to raise that 1.2 million.”

To support the Bowen Family Foundation you can visit Home - Bowen Family Foundation

Copyright 2025 KWTX. All rights reserved.