Linda Hope, daughter of Bob Hope, speaks at the Military Appreciation Day ceremonies on January 19 at the Humana Challenge. (Rodrigo Pena/AP Images for Humana)

This year’s Humana Challenge PGA TOUR golf tournament is in the books, but great memories of the event will last for a long time, especially for those whose service to our country was recognized in several ways during Humana’s inaugural Military Appreciation Day on January 19 in La Quinta, Calif.

The event, created to honor all members of the Armed Forces and their families for the sacrifices they have made, featured a ceremony that included inspirational messages from military leaders, a color guard and a flyover by two Navy F-5 Tigers.

“The Humana Challenge, formerly the Bob Hope Classic, has a long history of celebrating our nation’s servicemen and women who give so much every day,” said Tim McClain, President of Humana Government Business. “Given Bob Hope’s legacy and devotion to entertaining military troops, it is fitting to dedicate a day to honoring military personnel and their families. In the end, we hope the Military Appreciation Day will have a lasting impact on all participants and continue to honor our troops.”

The servicemen and women being honored expressed their own appreciation for the show of support by Humana, the Clinton Foundation, the Military Warriors Support Foundation and tournament attendees.

“We are having a glorious, glorious time,” said Howard Payne, a veteran who was enjoying the day at the Military Outpost hospitality pavilion. “It adds a chapter to our happiness.”

And Adam Sampson, a local veteran and Purple Heart recipient, said he was speechless after learning he would receive a mortgage-free home that was donated by the Humana Challenge in conjunction with the Military Warriors Support Foundation.

“I will never forget it, and I hope that in the future I can pay it forward to another veteran,” said Sampson.

In addition to free admission to the tournament, the hospitality pavilion and the donation of the home, three injured veterans were chosen to play three rounds as part of the tournament’s amateur field.

To learn more about the day, watch our video (below).

Humana Chairman of the Board Mike McCallister, left, applauds as Brian Gay, 2013 Humana Challenge champion, lifts the Bob Hope Memorial Trophy at PGA West on January 20, 2013, in La Quinta, Calif. . (Rodrigo Pena / AP Images for Humana)

Brian Gay won the Humana Challenge on Sunday, beating Charles Howell III and Swedish rookie David Lingmerth in a three-man playoff at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif. It was the fourth PGA TOUR title for the 41-year-old Gay.

We congratulate Gay and thank the Clinton Foundation, PGA TOUR, Gary Player and all of the participants in the tournament and events held during the week of well-being, including the:

• Health Matters Conference
• KaBOOM! multigenerational playground build
• First Tee program and the
• Walkit Challenge.

Watch our latest video below as well as the week’s highlights in our video journal, and check back tomorrow to learn more about the inspirational Military Appreciation Day held this weekend in La Quinta.

President Clinton looks on as Gary Player, right, gets fist bumps from golf legend Billy Casper and Humana Challenge CEO Bob Marra on the first tee during the first day of the Humana Challenge on January 17. (Rodrigo Pena / AP Images for Humana)

Golf legends Billy Casper and Gary Player, Humana’s well-being ambassador, hit ceremonial tee shots to start the first round of the 2013 Humana Challenge Thursday in La Quinta, Calif. They were joined at the first tee by President Bill Clinton, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, and Mike McCallister, Humana Chairman of the Board.

Once the first round was under way, McCallister and Finchem joined President Clinton at a news conference to describe how their unique and successful partnership has not only saved the former Bob Hope Classic but created an event that focuses on helping people live healthier, happier lives.

You can get more details about Thursday’s events by watching the video below and checking out the photos above.

The latest updates on the tournament, which goes through Sunday, January 20, can be found on the Humana Challenge website.

 Related links:

• @HumanaChallenge (Twitter)
• Humana Challenge Facebook
• Humana Challenge YouTube
• @humananews (Twitter)

President Bill Clinton opens the second annual “Health Matters: Activating Wellness In Every Generation” Conference on Tuesday, January 15, in La Quinta, Calif.

A highlight of Humana Challenge week in La Quinta, Calif., is the Clinton Foundation’s Health Matters Conference. The second annual conference, “Health Matters: Activating Wellness in Every Generation,” was held Tuesday, January 15.

The day started early with a frosty outdoor workout led by health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels. National and community leaders, health and well-being advocates, Olympic athletes and celebrities then gathered to lead discussions on topics such as “Health Transformation,” “Mental Health and Addiction,” and “Healthy Communities.”

In addition to President Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, participants included Humana Chairman of the Board Mike McCallister, Humana President and CEO Bruce Broussard, Humana well-being ambassador Gary Player, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General, and Dr. Donald Berwick, former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

“Our goal, our dream, is lifelong well-being, and we hope you see it expressed in everything we are doing – both here and also at the tournament as a whole,” Broussard said during the conference.

Watch our video below to learn more about the day’s events, and visit the Clinton Foundation’s website to get more information about the conference, panelists and discussions.

First Tee program participants get a chance to participate in drills on the driving range on Jan. 14 in La Quinta, Calif. (Carlos Puma/AP Images for Humana).

Humana and its partners hosted a group of local children at the Humana Challenge First Tee Master Class Tour on Monday, January 14, at the site of the upcoming PGA Tournament in La Quinta, Calif. The Master Class provided young golfers with a behind-the-scenes look at the 2013 Humana Challenge, including a stop at the Humana Well-Being Tour, a visit to the media center, fun activities in Bob Hope Square and a chance to participate in drills on the driving range. Watch the video below to hear the kids talk about their Humana Challenge experience.

Related links:

• Humana Challenge website
• @HumanaChallenge (Twitter)
• Humana Challenge Facebook
• Humana Challenge YouTube
• Humana Challenge off to fun, healthy start
• The First Tee
• @humananews (Twitter)

Volunteers work together to build a multi-generational playground at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley, on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, in Desert Hot Springs, Calif. (Gabriel Acosta / AP Images for Humana)

The Humana Challenge kicked off a week of well-being with several weekend events, including the Humana Well-being Walk, the Humana Family Fun Fair and Humana Day at the Certified Farmers’ Market. (Watch the video.)

The busy weekend started early Saturday when more than 200 volunteers joined The Humana Foundation, KaBOOM!, the Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley and the City of Desert Hot Springs to build a multigenerational playground. (Watch the video below.)

Visit www.humananews.com and @humananews on Twitter throughout the week to get the latest updates along with photos and videos as the Humana Challenge, in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, continues its mission of celebrating life, well-being and happiness of the heart, mind and soul.

The PGA TOUR golf tournament begins Thursday, Jan. 17.

Related links:

• Humana Challenge website
• @HumanaChallenge (Twitter)
• Humana Challenge Facebook
• Humana Challenge YouTube
• Media Day kicks off 2013 Humana Challenge
• Humana Military Outpost returns to Humana Challenge

U.S. service members, shown here at the 2012 Humana Challenge, will once again be offered free grounds admission and access to the Humana Military Outpost.

The Humana Military Outpost will host active duty, Reserve and military retirees at the 2013 Humana Challenge in partnership with the William J. Clinton Foundation.

“We are proud to host members of our country’s military at the Humana Military Outpost as our guests; they deserve the opportunity to have a fun and relaxing time with us while watching many of the world’s best golfers up close,” Humana Challenge Executive Director and CEO Bob Marra said. “The Humana Military Outpost is another way we are carrying on the legacy of our tournament founder, Bob Hope. His passion for this golf tournament and unwavering commitment to entertaining the troops were legendary.”

The Humana Military Outpost, introduced during last year’s inaugural Humana Challenge, is a private hospitality pavilion offering climate-controlled indoor seating, outdoor patio seating and complimentary refreshments. The tournament also will offer free grounds admission to active military and veterans and their dependents.

Humana is looking forward to next month’s activities, the action on the course and welcoming veterans to the 2013 Humana Challenge Jan. 14-20 in La Quinta, Calif.

“We’re excited to once again host military men and women at the Humana Military Outpost,” said Mike McCallister, Humana’s Chairman and CEO. “Humana’s close connection to our Armed Forces dates back to the 1990s when Humana Military Healthcare Services was formed. Today, we’re proud to administer health coverage for approximately 3 million active duty and retired military through the TRICARE program.”

Related links
Media Day kicks off 2013 Humana Challenge
Humana Challenge Website
Humana Challenge Twitter
Humana Challenge Facebook

Volunteers work together to build a one-of-kind, multigenerational playground at the Las Casas apartment complex in Coachella, Calif, on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012.

The swing of the first golf club may be a few weeks away, but the 2013 Humana Challenge is already teed up and off to an impressive start.

More than 100 people attended Humana Challenge media day on Dec. 5 at the tournament site in La Quinta, Calif.  “We’re thrilled by the enthusiasm the Humana Challenge has generated,” said Humana Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Tom Noland. “Everyone at Humana is looking forward to the opportunity to work with our partners to share Humana’s message of participatory well-being.”

Golf great Phil Mickelson announced he’ll return for a second consecutive year to the PGA TOUR event, which starts January 17 and is co-sponsored by Humana and the William J. Clinton Foundation. Mickelson’s 2012 Ryder Cup teammate Brandt Snedeker, currently ranked number nine in the world, will also compete, as will last year’s Humana Challenge champion Mark Wilson.

“Having Phil, Brandt and Mark on board already bodes well for the strength of our field again this year and provides further proof of the appeal of the event,” said Humana Challenge executive director and CEO Bob Marra.

“I’m honored to be the champion last year and to be back,” Wilson told the crowd. He shared the story of a local friend who attended last year’s tournament. “He took it upon himself after that tournament to walk 3,000 steps a day.  And he’s lost 70 pounds (and)… feels like he’s in the best shape of his life.” Wilson said his friend “really credits the Humana Challenge and what they did last year in improving awareness of the importance of exercise.”

This story is one of many examples of how the Humana Challenge is about much more than golf. At the 2012 tournament, Humana gave out pedometers with the promise that if spectators and visitors would log enough steps during the event, The Humana Foundation would donate $500,000 to local charities.  Participants met the challenge, and The Humana Foundation made the donation to the Family YMCA of the Desert and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley.  That contribution paved the way for the Dec. 1 construction of a multigenerational playground in the Las Casas apartment complex in nearby Coachella, Calif.

As with previous playgrounds that Humana has sponsored with KaBOOM!, the playground has elements of a traditional playground for kids but also includes features designed for adults, such as exercise stations and a walking track.

Constructed by more than 200 volunteers in less than six hours, the playground effort wowed observers like Martha Jimenez, who serves on the board of the Family YMCA of the Desert.  Jimenez told The Desert Sun newspaper, “So many people came out today and the impossible became possible.”

Las Casas is the first of two playgrounds Humana is helping construct in the area; the second will go up in January just before the opening of the Humana Challenge. Humana also provided funding for a new recreation facility at the San Felipe Community and Migrant Housing Complex in Oasis, Calif., earlier this year.

At the start of Humana Challenge week, the Clinton Foundation will host its second annual Health Matters: Activating Wellness in Every Generation conference, the anchor event for the Clinton Health Matters Initiative (CHMI).  Among the expected attendees at the conference and the tournament are Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett (who will perform) and former President Bill Clinton.

The Humana Challenge was named 2012 Sports Event of the Year by Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily.

Humana takes a balanced approach in its efforts to create a golf event that’s both fun for players and fans and also serves to promote lifelong well-being.  Humana offers participants and spectators healthy food concessions, pedometers and a family fit area, among other features.

That balance is summarized in this quote from defending champion Wilson: “You’ve got to live well and enjoy life, but also be conscious of what is good for your performance.”

Related Links:

• Video: Playground built in advance of Humana Challenge
• Humana Challenge website
• Humana Challenge Twitter
• Press Release: Phil Mickelson to begin his PGA TOUR season at Humana Challenge for second straight year
• Video: Mirage in the desert – Building a Multigenerational Playground

Mike McCallister and Bill Clinton watch the action at the 2012 Humana Challenge.

The 2012 Humana Challenge, in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, was named “Sports Event of the Year” at the fifth-annual Sports Business Awards in New York on Wednesday, May 23.

“Winning “Sports Event of the Year” is an unbelievable honor for the Humana Challenge,” said Mike McCallister, Humana Chairman and CEO. “It really speaks to the commitment of our partners and the Coachella Valley community in making this event successful. We were also proud that spectators, fans and viewers rallied around our dream of helping people achieve lifelong well-being that we and the Clinton Foundation worked to emphasize throughout the tournament. We’re humbled by the success of the event and will continue to instill healthy activities throughout the years to come.”

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Pictured from left to right: Jan Hawkins, Director of Development, Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley; Jim Ducatte, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley; Virginia Kelly Judd, Executive Director of The Humana Foundation; Mike McCallister, Chairman and CEO of Humana; Terri Bona, Director of Development, Family YMCA of the Desert; Quinton Egson, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley; Kristy Franklin, board member, Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley; City of LaQuinta council person

With the PGA TOUR season in full swing, the Humana Challenge golf tournament continues to make a big impact on the Coachella Valley in California, the location of the January tournament.

On Friday, April 20, Desert Classic Charities (DCC) and Humana hosted a charitable funds distribution-day event. During the program, 40 Coachella Valley not-for-profit organizations were awarded more than $2 million in charitable donations in categories like structured programs for children; rehab, social and support services; and food and shelter for the hungry, the homeless and the abused.

Mike McCallister, Chairman and CEO of Humana, and Virginia Kelly Judd, Executive Director of The Humana Foundation, presented Humana’s individual donation as a result of its Walkit program, in which Humana pledged donations for distances walked. During the tournament week, more than 12,000 pedometers were distributed to fans, players and the general public, with walkers accumulating 84 million steps. This strong showing of support resulted in a $500,000 commitment from The Humana Foundation to benefit the local community.

“Humana and its partners are committed to continuing the longstanding tradition of philanthropy surrounding the tournament,” McCallister said. “We are proud that, with the help of the local community, Humana and The Humana Foundation can contribute even more to the Coachella Valley, which has been an excellent host and a key reason for the tournament’s success.”