By: Skip Sheffield
BOCA RATON — Finishing touches are being applied for the third
annual PROPEL Golf Classic Thursday, Oct. 20 at Boca Lago
Country Club.
The Golf Classic is the principal fundraiser for PROPEL, an eight-
year-old non-profit organization dedicated to servicing Palm Beach
County’s economically-challenged communities and specifically
economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth.
When the PROPEL Golf Classic was first conceived, it had a pro-
celebrity component. Golfers could be paired with golf-loving retired
NFL players and hang out with them after the game. This year, the
PROPEL board of directors decided the tournament was strong
enough to stand on its own merit.
“It turns out that the NFL players were not as strong a draw as we
thought,” said board president Andy Scott, former Boca Raton Police
Chief. “This year, all proceeds will be going toward the kids and our
scholarships. We think people will appreciate and understand that.”
They may not be football players, but participants in the PROPEL
Gold Classic are among the movers and shakers of Boca Raton and
nearby communities.
“Come join us for a fun day of golf, food and friendship,” declares
Matthew Kutcher, event co-chair and Director of Private Banking USA
at Credit-Suisse. “Golf is followed by drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the
Boca Lago clubhouse, and there will be silent and live auction with
really good prizes- all for a great cause.”
Thanks to the last two PROPEL Golf Classics, PROPEL’s
educational programs have been expanded and three first-ever
scholarships were awarded to PROPEL students in college. This past
summer was its most active ever for PROPEL in providing activities
for children who otherwise would be on their own.
“PROPEL provides activities and outlets for local underprivileged
youths who don’t have an opportunity to attend summer camps
or after school programs,” explains event co-chair Ingrid Fulmer,
Executive Vice President, Office Leasing for Coldwell Banker
Commercial. “These PROPEL activities give the kids a sense of
belonging and camaraderie, and it helps them focus their energies on
being productive forces in the community.”
PROPEL executive director Tolliver Miller admits he isn’t much
of a golfer. Besides, he is quite busy making sure the event runs
smoothly.
“I never really have time to play 18 holes of golf,” he says with a
laugh. “It’s nice if you have four or five hours to spare. We really
appreciate that our golfing friends are willing to help us raise money
for PROPEL while playing a game they love.”
Individual players are invited to sign up for $250, or you can have a
foursome for $1,000. Fees are tax-deductible contributions. Call Matt
Kutcher at 561-704-4648 or go to www.propelyourfuture.com.