Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/79907
Inset: Brooks Whittle CADDIES TO COLLEGE C allowed him to afford college. Around the time the Cincinnati-native graduated from high school, his father lost his job. Fortunately for Rick, his time as a golf caddy—combined with a strong academic record—qualified him for a four-year tuition-and-housing scholarship through the Evans Scholars Foundation. Launched during the Depression by amateur golfer Charles E. Evans Jr., the program provides scholarships to talented hard- working kids with economic need and a strong caddy record. HARITY WORK TAKES many forms. For member Rick Wirthlin, it means remembering a cause that "If I had not gotten this scholarship, I would either have not gone to college or had to work my way through," says Rick, who attended The Ohio State University and is now a district president for KeyBank. "It was probably the most important thing that happened to me up to that point in my life." Today, Rick serves as a director for the Washington Golf Association (WGA), administer of the Evans Scholars Foundation. There are currently 825 Evans Scholars, including 50 in the Pacific Northwest. Several WAC members are active in the Evans Scholars program. Long-time WGA director Brooks Whittle is chair of the Evans Cup of Washington, which raises between $60,000 and $100,000 for Evans Scholars in the state. This year's Cup takes place September 24 at Sand Point Country Club. The 83-year-old Brooks is a pro at stocking an auction with inspiring goodies—take this year's lunch with Arnold Palmer in Palm Springs, California—and equally skilled at cultivating scholars and alumni. "These kids have kind of been like my grandkids," Brooks says. He started local traditions, such as celebrating graduation with dinner at the Seattle Yacht Club with two Evans Scholars. At left: Tournament play. followed by a sailing trip, but says he's ready to pass the torch to others, including fellow WAC member Roger Young, a director and current Evans Scholars state chair. Roger learned about the program when he golfed in an Evans Cup tournament. Eight years later, he actively fundraises and recruits caddies. He's also trying to launch a chapter house for Evans Scholars on a Northwest campus, and he still attends perspective-scholar interviews. Hearing the stories of hard luck and determination remind him of why the foundation's work is so important. Roger Young, Jim Rutherford, Rick Wirthlin and Bill Moses of the Evans Scholars Foundation. SEPTEMBER 2012 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 23 LUKE RUTAN COURTESY: EVANS SCHOLARS FOUNDATION