Propel’s Annual Golf Tournament Surpasses $1 Million in Donations

In 2008, Propel began its annual golf tournament to raise money for nonprofit organizations. In the 15 years since, the event has raised more than $1 million dollars.

The Beginning of a Great Tradition

Therese Hammill joined Propel one week before the first golf tournament in 2008. The former director told her to take in everything because she would be handling the tournament the following year and beyond. As Propel and the tournament has grown, Therese now has the help of a co-director, Kourtney Doughton.

Putting the tournament together is a lot of work, but it’s also rewarding. “All the early mornings and late nights are worth it,” says Hammill. “Being able to positively impact our benefactors means the world to us. They’re the people in our backyard and we love to support the local community.”

So Much More than Golf

Although the tournament is definitely about golf, it’s also – more importantly – about community involvement.

“The whole purpose is to bring our carrier and financial partners together with Propel to have a great day and fundraise for nonprofit organizations,” Hammill says. “Golfing is our means to get there.” The tournament does have winners and prizes, but it’s not high pressure by any means.

With the completion of the 15th annual event in 2022, Propel is very excited the golf tournament tradition has broken the $1,000,000 mark, for a total of $1,129,000. “This would not be possible without the generosity of all of our sponsors,” Hammill said. “Some of them have been with us since the beginning and continue to be there every year. We are so grateful for them.”

Good Times for Great Causes

The golf tournament typically takes place the Thursday after Labor Day. It’s held at the Washington National Golf Club in Auburn, Washington – a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course and a fantastic spot for any golfers in the Pacific Northwest. This makes it a great place for events like Propel’s annual tournament.

“People look forward to this event all year,” Hammill says. “Everyone has such a great time hanging out with industry associates and, at the same time, it’s rewarding to support the nonprofits. It makes me proud to be part of the Propel organization.”

The 2022 event included a hotshot cannon. Teams could pay a fee to shoot a golf ball out of an air cannon and wherever the ball stopped determined where the team teed off. Propel employees volunteered on the course, which gave them a chance to meet the golfers as they played.

The event wouldn’t have been complete without plenty of food. With three food stations providing pizza, hot dogs, and street tacos, attendees could eat when they wanted. A carrier partner also sponsored an ice cream cart to treat all the participants.

The day ended with an awards banquet. In addition to the winners of the tournament, there were prizes for contest holes as well as raffle prizes.

Giving Back to the Pacific Northwest Community

“We are proud to be able to give back to the communities where we live and work,” says Hammill. “Kids are the future and we want to support their potential.”

The money raised through Propel’s golf tournament will benefit various charities that focus on health, education, and art for children and youth. All of the nonprofit organizations are located near Propel’s northwest offices, in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, and Medford. Learn more about Propel.