Lettermen’s Energy celebrates annual Fuelling Bucket Fundraiser

Members of the propane industry gathered on April 30 for Lettermen’s Energy’s 31st annual Fuelling Bucket Fundraiser. The annual golf outing typically attracts 30 to 60 attendees, depending on everyone’s availability.

About the fundraiser

The Fuelling Bucket Fundraiser began when three Purdue University alumni, Lettermen’s Energy’s Steve Wambold, co-founder and CEO; Rick O’Connor, Midwest region vice president; and Eric Bruun, board member, wanted a way to stay in touch after college. In 2005, the gathering evolved into a fundraiser that originally benefited Bauer Family Resources, a community center in West Lafayette, Indiana.

In 2021, the fundraiser began benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri & Kansas.

Over the years, the group has raised nearly $1.5 million for the organizations they support. The funds come from the attendees themselves and partner companies associated with the attendees.

The winners of the golf tournament receive an old wooden bucket mounted on a stand with the names of the winners on brass plaques underneath. The event used to take place in Indiana on the weekend of the Purdue University and Indiana University football game, which is known as “The Old Oaken Bucket” game.

Honoring a friend

Mark Fuelling, director of fleet, safety and training at Lettermen’s Energy, passed away in 2023. Wambold hired Fuelling in 2000, and was the “worst golfer any of us has ever seen,” according to Jim Saladin, chief marketing officer for Lettermen’s Energy. The group aims to keep his memory alive and keep him involved in the annual outing.

“It’s hard to believe that what started out as a fun weekend for three young guys just trying to find their way has turned into an organization that has done so much good,” says Wambold. “As our lives have gotten busier and we’ve spread out across the country, it’s humbling to know that this incredible group of people keep it so close to their hearts. It’s a great time for a great cause and I’m already looking forward to the next one.”