Annual Sergeant Derr Foundation Charity Golf Tournament brings funds for veteran mental health

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - The Sergeant Colton Levi Derr Foundation is a Rapid City-based charity focused on supporting veterans and their families after they return from deployment. Specifically, the group aims to improve veterans’ mental health and prevent suicide. This issue is of particular importance for foundation President Haley Derr, who started the foundation with his family members in honor of his late brother.

“Sergeant Colton Derr was my older brother, and he was one of the 360-plus military that committed suicide in 2012,” Haley Derr explained.

A decade ago, Rapid City’s Knights of Columbus chapter approached the Derr family with an idea to support their charitable endeavors, a golf tournament at Elks Golf Course with proceeds going towards their cause. The Knights were the first tournament sponsor, and dozens more have joined in the ten years since.

The tournament itself has grown significantly. Nine teams of four participated in the inaugural 2015 tournament. Saturday, 35 teams teed off at the golf course for the 10th annual event.

The Sergeant Derr Foundation will host a “CrossFit-style” fundraiser June 29. More information on this event and how to donate can be found on the foundation’s website.

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