Money doesn't grow on trees, but in some cases, it can fall from the sky.
Just ask the winners of this weekend's "The Drop" - a unique capital fundraiser hosted by The Lander Foundation to benefit athletic scholarships and operating budgets at Lander University.
Around 300 people gathered at Dolny Stadium on Saturday, April 28, to watch as a helicopter hovered over center field while nearly 700 golf balls rained down from it onto a target below. Each of the golf balls had been purchased by supporters for $100, and the nine balls that landed closest to the temporary pin on the field won the lucky owners some major cash prizes.
Taking home the $5,000 grand prize was Dennis Kelly, followed by second-place winner Sports Break, which received $3,000. Also earning $1,000 prizes for the 3rd-9th closest positions to the pin were: Cheryl Donnelly; First Citizens Bank; The ID Shop Inc.; T.W. Boons, which had two winning golf balls; Steve Roberts; and Terry DeVore.
The event, also featuring a silent auction, reception and live music, raised approximately $70,000 for Lander's athletic scholarships and operating budget, said Brian Reese, Lander University Athletics Director. The Drop had more than 60 corporate sponsors, including title sponsor Emerald Ink & Stitches, and Blue Ridge Helicopters, which provided the helicopter services. Prize money for the winning golf balls was provided by ball sales.
"We thank everyone who purchased a ball and made 'The Drop' a huge success for our student-athletes and the university," Reese said.