Sporting Affair’s Chopper Dropper Yields 17 Lucky Cash Winners

MELBOURNE, FLA.—Florida Institute of Technology’s Tenth Annual Chopper Dropper, part of the annual Sporting Affair athletics scholarship fundraiser, was held March 15 at the Suntree Country Club. The event delivered cash prizes to 17 lucky winners, including Josh Baker of Jacksonville, who took the $50,000 grand prize and Paul DeKany of Merritt Island who won $10,000. The annual event was part of Sporting Affair XXI.

Exactly 2,000 numbered golf balls were loaded into a helicopter and dropped on the driving range at Suntree. The ball that landed closest to the flag—Baker’s ball, number 844—won.

Fifteen runner-up prizes of $1,000 each went to Rebecca Archer of Melbourne, Joel Boyd of Melbourne, Dennis Brady of Melbourne; Cathy Bright of Satellite Beach; LJ Burr of Indian Harbour Beach; Thomas Darnell of Melbourne; Joe Eckelman of Hopewell Junction, N.Y.; Lesley Fletcher of Melbourne; Will Griffin of Orlando; Allison Heinen of Indian Harbour Beach; Craig Koproski of St. Augustine; Kevin Price of Melbourne; Jack Pruitt of Indialantic; John Wicklund of Melbourne; and Milt Winter of Melbourne.

“It was just a beautiful day for a golf event and fun for everyone. We’re very grateful for all who participated in what was probably our best fund-raiser ever for athletic scholarships,” said Matt Kilcullen, assistant vice president for athletic fundraising.

Chopper participants also had the opportunity to attend a cocktail buffet reception with food provided by Broken Barrel Tavern, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Matt’s Casbah. Guests participated in a silent auction and raffle.

Sporting Affair XXI also included a golf tournament with a $1 million hole-in-one shootout sponsored by Berman Hopkins, Wright & LaHam.

Major sponsors included Audi of Melbourne; Dean Mead; BISK Education;

Broken Barrel Tavern; National Management Resources; Coca Cola; Tony Weight; Berman Hopkins, Wright & LaHam; Carrabba’s Italian Grill; Hooters of Melbourne; Maverick Multimedia; Walmart Neighborhood Market; and Matt’s Casbah.

PHOTO: Josh Baker at center takes the grand prize. Pictured at left is Matt Kilcullen, assistant vice president, athletic fundraising; at right is Bill Jurgens, director of athletics.