Mindy’s Legacy

Learn more about the inspiring journey of Mindy’s career in philanthropy, highlighted by numerous accolades, distinguished recognition, and impactful achievements.

Program Impact & Legacy

Fore Hope Milestones:

• 1989 – Founded Fore Hope, Inc., one of the first therapeutic golf programs in the nation
• 2017 – Fore Hope absorbed by OhioHealth—the first therapeutic golf program ever integrated into a major U.S. healthcare system
• 2023 – Guy Derr and Mindy Derr Endowment Fund established by OhioHealth Foundation to ensure Fore Hope lives in perpetuity
• 2024 – Fore Hope celebrated 35 years of service
• 10,000+ lives impacted – Participants, families, volunteers, and caregivers served since inception
• $6 Million raised – Revenue and gifts-in-kind secured to sustain and grow programming

Awards & Honors

2022 – Featured in “Tell Me More” life story segment, WCMH NBC Channel 4, Columbus, Ohio

2019 – Featured in “Alumni Spotlight,” The Ohio State University Alumni Association, Featured in “Fore Hope Celebrates 30 Years,” Columbus Dispatch

2015 – Nominated for Lifetime Achievement Award, Columbus CEO Magazine’s Healthcare Achievement Awards

2012 – Honored as one of “100 Buckeyes You Should Know” by The Ohio State University Alumni Association; escorted by Archie Griffin at spring game, Ohio Stadium

2011 – Featured as one of 8 women in Columbus CEO magazine, elected as alma mater speaker for Loudonville High School

2010 – Extra Mile America Honoree, recognizing individuals who go the extra mile to serve their communities

2009 – Named one of “20 Women You Should Know” by Columbus radio station Sunny 95, Received Individual Honorable Mention, Business First Health Care Heroes Award for Community Outreach

2004 – Nominated for Lifetime Achievement Award, Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs; honored in New York City

Partnerships & Support

National & Industry Leaders:

• Jack Nicklaus Family & The Memorial Tournament – Long-time committed supporters
• PGA TOUR & TOUR Wives – Program supporters and event participants
• United States Golf Association (USGA) – Supported Fore Hope and utilized Mindy as advisor to USGA Resource Center for accessible/adaptive golf
• Dennis Walters – World-renowned golf trick shot artist and friend of Fore Hope, promoting golf for individuals facing life challenges
• Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Hurdzan Golf LLC – Provided consulting services for course design, environmental golf, and adaptive program development
• Scotts Miracle-Gro Company – Founding sponsor
• Ohio State University’s Professional Golf Management Program – Partnership for program development and student engagement
• National Alliance for Accessible Golf – Mindy serves as advisor to their Speaker’s Bureau (2025)

Major Accomplishments

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability:

• Raised over $6 million in revenue and gifts-in-kind
• Secured $525,000 legacy gift from the Rose Scheeff Legacy Program
• Developed the Guy Derr Leadership Society, which provided one-fourth of Fore Hope’s annual budget through committed annual memberships
• Created the Rose Scheeff Planned Legacy Gift Program

Program Development & Innovation:

• Designed and implemented OhioHealth Fore Hope team for program execution and best practices (2017)
• Developed golf training manual for persons with disabilities
• Designed adaptive golf glove/mitt
• Secured donation of large natural putting green at Red Roof Inns Corporate Course in Columbus, designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan with turf experts, construction, and equipment vendors
• Developed and hosted the Fore Hope Annual Champagne Breakfast Fundraiser featuring PGA TOUR stars; served as host and public speaker to large audiences

Recognition & Accreditation:

• Accredited by Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio
• Featured in OhioHealth Foundation donor giving materials (2018)
• Active presence on Facebook and OhioHealth.com/ForeHope

Previous Career Highlights

Boy Scouts of America, Firelands Area Council (1984–1989)

• Exploring Executive, Vermilion, Ohio
• Pioneered and implemented high school career awareness Exploring Program in three northern Ohio counties, serving 1,000+ students
• Received National Boy Scouts of America Professional Pacemaker Award for bringing Scouting to more youth

Education

The Ohio State University (1981)
Bachelor of Arts, Communications

Media Features

• WCMH NBC Channel 4 – “Tell Me More” life story feature (May 2022)
• The Ohio State University Alumni Association – “Alumni Spotlight” (June 2019)
• Columbus Dispatch – “Fore Hope Celebrates 30 Years” (March 2019)
• Columbus CEO Magazine – Featured as one of 8 women (May 2011)
• OhioHealth Foundation – Donor giving piece highlighting Fore Hope and Wellness Center (November 2018)
• National Alliance for Accessible Golf Newsletter – Mindy’s compelling story of golf therapy (September 2025)

These milestones represent more than awards—they represent lives changed, hope restored, and a movement built on the belief that golf can heal. Mindy’s work continues today through Wellness and Golf, and she invites you to be part of the next chapter.

Explore How We Can Partner →

📧 MindyDerr@att.net
🌐 MindyDerr.com
🏌️ OhioHealth.com/ForeHope