Florida Tech Looks Ahead to Chopper Dropper 2013; Recognizes Wasdin Fundraisers

MELBOURNE, FLA.—Florida Institute of Technology is making plans for Sporting Affair and Chopper Dropper 2013, which will be held March 15 at the Suntree Country Club. Sporting Affair is the university’s biggest fundraiser for athletics scholarships and Chopper Dropper is its key event, the helicopter drop of 2,000 numbered golf balls onto the green.

In the last Chopper Dropper ticket sale effort, Tom and Susie Wasdin of Cocoa Village were “incredible go-getters,” according to Matt Kilcullen Jr., assistant vice president for athletic fund raising. “They are community leaders who care about our student athletes and we appreciate their efforts,” he said.

Florida Tech’s athletics program has expanded substantially in the last 10 years. Competitive sports have grown from 11 to 21 and in that time the number of student-athletes has more than doubled, from 240 to 550.

To support the growth, tickets for the Chopper Dropper will be $100 each and the grand prize will double, from $25,000 to $50,000. The number of winners also will increase, from 13 to 17. The second-place prize will be $10,000 and there will be 15 $1,000 winners. Each ticket admits one person to the Sporting Affair reception.

“The Sporting Affair, which includes the golf tournament, $1 million hole in one shootout, silent auction, Chopper Dropper and cocktail reception, has grown to be a major fundraiser for the university. We’re pleased with how well the event has been received by the Florida Tech family and our local community,” said Bill Jurgens, athletics director.

“I believe that athletics are extremely important to the university and derive much satisfaction in seeing so many students drawn to participate. I’m glad to see Chopper Dropper grow for the benefit of our students and look forward enthusiastically to next year,” said President Anthony J. Catanese.