On July 28, 2025, a devastating derecho/tornado tore through Hudson, South Dakota. Our sister and brother-in-law, Chris and Katie Zuraff, their four kids, and the farm animals were safe—but their 5-acre farm took a direct hit.

While their home and outbuildings suffered only minor damage, the storm destroyed an estimated 200 trees, some a century-old, that served as the windbreak to protect the buildings. The scene is heartbreaking: splintered trunks, toppled logs and an enormous pile of debris they’ve dubbed “Mt. Brushmore”, now over 30-feet high, and growing.

Chris is a pastor in Sioux Falls and Katie runs The Specialty Crop Collaborative, a nonprofit on the farm which provides job and life skills education for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Funds raised will go toward items NOT covered by insurance:

Their community has rallied to help, but the scale of the work is overwhelming. Any amount helps this family start rebuilding their shelter belt and the future of the farm.

They give so much to others—now they need your help.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity.

With love and gratitude,

Dave Strong and Erin Riley Strong