MELBOURNE, FLA. — Terry Walker won the $50,000 grand prize at Florida Tech’s recent Chopper Dropper fundraiser.
Now in its 19th year, Chopper Dropper involved dropping 1,800 numbered golf balls from a Brevard County Sheriff’s Office helicopter onto Rick Stottler Soccer Field at Florida Tech. The ball that ends up closest to the golf flag implanted on the field wins the $50,000 grand prize. There is also a $10,000 second prize for second-closest ball and 15 $1,000 prizes.
The virtual event was sponsored by Berman Hopkins CPAs and Associates LLP. Katie Hardin was the firm’s official golf ball auditor. Chopper Dropper organizers thanked Berman Hopkins and the BCSO for their participation.
Walker, a consistent supporter of Florida Tech through his years of Chopper Dropper participation, is a Brevard County resident and owner of Brevard Electric Services. Florida Tech alumnus and Board of Trustees member William “Randy” Muns won second place and its $10,000 prize, as well as a $1,000 prize.
Florida Tech Trustee Ann Dunwoody and Travis Proctor, chairman of the Board of Trustees, won $1,000 prizes each. Both are Florida Tech alumni.
The 12 other $1,000 winners were Wendi Finn, Justin Foust, Thomas Hoffman, Richard Horner, Kathy Johnson, William Moberg, Haydee Prada, Lisa Ross, Carl Swenson, Amy Van Putten, Nicholas Vazquez and David Zappariello.
The funds raised through the 2022 Chopper Dropper will benefit Florida Tech’s 419 student-athletes by providing mental health resources and support and sports-related technology.
A recording of the live stream is posted on www.chopperdropper.com.
Photo caption: Measuring and verifying golf ball distances after the ball drop are, from left, Katie Hardin from Florida Tech Athletics partner Berman Hopkins CPAs & Associates LLP and from Florida Tech, Senior Vice President for Development Gary Grant, Gina Yates, assistant director of athletic partnerships, Stevie Pursell Johnson, major and leadership gift officer for athletic partnerships, and Daniel Blucker, manager of gift and financial reporting for advancement services.
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