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MELINDA "MINDY" DERR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FORE HOPE, INC.
Mindy
Derr is the founder and Executive Director of Fore
Hope, Inc., one of the first golf programs of its
kind in the country. Fore Hope
is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and primarily
serves Central Ohioans, but over the years has
served participants in Cincinnati, Greater
Cleveland, Lancaster, Toledo, Mansfield, Dayton,
and Zanesville
Mindy
started Fore Hope on February 1, 1989 in
Northern Ohio after her
father, Guy Derr, an avid golfer and
two-handicapper, was stricken by Lou Gehrig's
disease.
She witnessed the depression and isolation
that crippled his life and took him away for the
sport he loved. An avid
golfer, Mindy chose to leave her position as
Exploring Executive of the Boy Scouts of America,
to start Fore Hope. She
researched the need for an adaptive golf program
by contacting caregivers, rehabilitation centers
and golf professionals across the
country.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- FORE HOPE
Raised
over $2,000,000 for the Fore Hope
organization.
Pioneered
and developed program services for persons with
disabilities through the medium of golf. Fore Hope
was created on the sound principles of therapeutic
recreation focusing on the cognitive, physical,
and social well being of persons with
disabilities.
Therapeutic golf programs include group and
individualized sessions, league and adaptive
tournament.
Program sites include an affiliate home
course, practice areas, care-centers, hospitals
and rehabilitation centers.
Pioneered
program and in its most recent history, serves
approximately 400 plus persons with disabilities
annually through the medium of golf.
Initiated
a volunteer network for program services
throughout Central Ohio,
Cincinnati, Greater
Cleveland,
Lancaster,
Toledo,
Mansfield,
Dayton and
Zanesville,Ohio.
Established
The Guy Derr Leadership Society Program in 2005
yielding 26 members at $1,000, current membership
is 31 members.
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Developed
relationship between Fore Hope and The Ohio State
University Professional Golf Management Program
(PGM).
Since 2004, Fore Hope and the OSU PGM
Program have been aligning curriculum and
community outreach opportunities.
Developed
relationship with The United States Golf
Association.
Since 1992, they have been a supportive
partner with Fore Hope.
Developed
relationship with The Memorial Tournament, home to
Jack Nicklaus. Since
1992, they have been a supportive partner of Fore
Hope.
Established
relationship in 1991 with Dr. Michael Hurdzan of
Hurdzan/Fry Golf Course Design. Mike is an
advisory member of Fore Hope and famous world wide
for his golf course design. Mike is a
supportive partner of Fore Hope.
Through
out history, secured office and golf course and
practice area facilities.
Developed
relationship with Ellen Tressel, wife of football
coach, Jim Tressel, of the Buckeyes at The Ohio
State University. Ellen
assists Fore Hope in The Guy Derr Leadership
Program at the annual Fore Hope Memorial
Tournament Breakfast.
National
Finalist for The
2004 Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs
nominated in Lifetime Achievement Award and
honored in
New York City
,
October.
Developed
relationship with Chris Perry, veteran PGA tour
professional and advisory member of Fore
Hope.
Established
relationship/partnership in 1999 with The First
Tee - a national coalition that provides access to
golf to persons of all ages and
disabilities.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS - BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, VERMILION, OHIO 1984-1989
As Exploring Executive, pioneered the development of a high school career
awareness Exploring Program.
Received
the National Boy Scouts of America Professional
Pacemaker Award for bringing the program of
Scouting to more youth in 1986.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Communication, The Ohio State University, 1981
ORGANIZATIONS
Ohio State Alumni Organization
Mt. Air Resident's Association
Executive Women's Golf Association
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