This is a paid piece from Encompass Mental Health.
Simplified: A new golf tournament next month will give folks a chance to play one of Sioux Falls' most exclusive courses while also raising money to support the costs of play therapy that meets kids where they are.
Why it matters
- Encompass Mental Health will host the inaugural Chipping In for Mental Health golf tournament on Oct. 6 at The Country Club of Sioux Falls. Funds raised from the tournament will support mental health services in Sioux Falls.
- The tournament will be a four-person scramble followed by refreshments and awards. Teams can sign up to play for $600, or businesses can sponsor the event and get as many as three teams included.
- One of the long-term fundraising goals for Encompass is to raise $100,000 to convert a transit van into a mobile play therapy unit. This would help therapists have a dedicated, safe and private space for when they meet kids at schools and daycare facilities.
"Right now our therapists that go into schools and daycares are bringing in a roller suitcase ... they're trying to do arts and crafts but might be working on the floor," said Madison Kyle, Encompass' director of outreach. "To have a space that is uniquely designed and private will ensure that we're delivering on the high quality that we're known for and is important to us."
Tell me more about the tournament
The Country Club of Sioux Falls only allows a handful of corporate events each year, so this tournament is one of only a few chances to play the course without being a club member.
- The tournament will also feature a pro drive, a putting game and additional activities to keep the fun going.
- Throughout the course, players will also find mindfulness messages to emphasize the importance of mental health and keep Encompass' mission front and center.
How Encompass breaks down barriers to support kids’ mental health
Encompass Mental Health meets kids where they are – and not just emotionally. Therapists work to reduce barriers to mental health treatment with play therapy, in-daycare visits and the support of a nonprofit arm to make sure finances don’t get in the way of a child’s healing.
Megan Raposa
Sponsorships are available for individual holes, as well as a putting green sponsorship and food sponsorship.
You can get your tickets and sign up for sponsorship opportunities here.
What if I'm not a golfer?
You can still support Encompass by donating directly to the campaign to fund the play therapy van. Learn more here.
