The popular Buck Off Challenge, the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit Southeast Florida Honor Flight, focuses on fun for a good cause.
The Buck Off Challenge is an entertaining, family-friendly competition pitting a lively mechanical bull against more than 50 competitors on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at 6 p.m. on the boardwalk behind the Wellington Community Center.
Last year’s event raised more than $65,000. Each flight costs about $120,000, according to chairman Janet Hoose. The first two flights in 2023 are scheduled for April 15 and May 20.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from $500 to $15,000. VIP tables of 10 are $750, and single VIP reserved seats are available for $75. VIP tickets include dinner and a cash bar. General admission is based on an optional donation; bringing your own chairs is encouraged, as general seating is limited.
The event is being co-sponsored by the Village of Wellington for the second consecutive year. To register a team or purchase tickets, visit www.honorflightsefl.org/events.
The Buck Off Challenge benefits Southeast Florida Honor Flight, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that flies World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans from Palm Beach International to Washington, D.C., four times a year free of charge to visit the memorials built to honor their service and sacrifices.
Four-person teams compete in the Buck Off Challenge, where individual rides are scored by a panel of celebrity judges and totaled to determine the winning team. Riders are scored on their ability to stay on the bull while keeping one hand in the air at all times, and the style of the ride. Higher scores may be achieved for character, team spirit and costumes. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams. The entry fee is $100 per team.
The Southeast Florida Honor Flight is a day devoted to honoring the local men and women who served the country in conflicts around the globe. For the veterans, it is a day to reflect on those heroes who never came home, connecting with fellow military compatriots and the fact that America has not forgotten them. For everyone else, it is day focused on thanking these courageous men and women for their service.
The Buck Off Challenge is a fundraising event started by Wellington’s Bobbi Rottman of Eques Solutions, which primarily specializes in bringing the equestrian community and businesses together. Rottman and her team started this event more than 10 years ago, and for the last five years, Southeast Florida Honor Flight has been the beneficiary. They spend months going over every detail to make sure that the nonprofit receives enormous support from the community.
“This event is not your normal fundraiser, it is funny, exciting and touching all at the same time,” Rottman said. “We have attendees ranging from WWII veterans to children, and riders who have never ridden anything to riders who have sat on real bulls. I wanted a fundraiser that everyone is welcome to attend. The community needs to be educated on the fact that Southeast Florida Honor Flight touches a lot of lives, and with no discounts from airlines, the raising of funds for them is important.”
For more information about Southeast Florida Honor Flight, visit www.honorflightsefl.org or www.facebook.com/honorflight, or call 1-855-FLYAVET (1-855-359-2838).
