Deadwood, S.D. – On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel hosted the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center’s 7th Annual Winter Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifices of our nation’s heroes. The event was hosted by Derek Victor and featured a heartfelt keynote address by Shilo Harris, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant and burn survivor, who shared his journey of resilience and recovery.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome from the event organizers and President, Founder and Director Jerrid Geving setting the tone for a night of inspiration and community support. Guests enjoyed a delectable dinner, followed by a silent auction featuring a variety of items, including high-end trips to destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean, antique furniture, and premium liquor baskets. The live auction offered unique experiences and collectibles, with all proceeds directed toward supporting the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center’s mission.
In addition to the auctions, the evening was blessed with important guests. The first speaker of the night was Kurt Peterson, who traveled from Minnesota to address the attendees. He shared his journey with PTSD and his fight. The event featured a special segment honoring the Magnus Family from Lovell, Wyoming, who run K-9 Elite, an organization dedicated to raising and training service dogs. This year’s support dog was awarded to Chris VanGoethem, who attended the event with his wife to accept the life-changing companion. VanGoethem shared his gratitude, stating, “The dog had already helped him, just knowing he was coming into my life.”
A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Shilo Harris, who captivated the audience with his story of survival and strength. In 2007, Harris’s Humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) while patrolling in southern Iraq. The explosion resulted in the loss of three of his fellow soldiers and left Harris with severe injuries, including third-degree burns on 35% of his body, the loss of his ears, the tip of his nose, and three fingers, as well as fractures to his collarbone and C-7 vertebrae. His recovery journey involved spending nearly three years in the burn unit at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, undergoing more than 75 surgeries, including regenerative stem-cell research to regrow his fingers. Harris also faced the challenges of PTSD. Since retiring from the military in 2010, he has become a motivational speaker, sharing his experiences to raise awareness of the physical, emotional, and mental scars of war.
The evening concluded with a sense of unity and gratitude, as attendees left inspired by the stories shared and the collective commitment to supporting our nation’s heroes.
The Sacred Mountain Retreat Center, located in the serene Black Hills of South Dakota, offers cost-free, 7-day retreats to active military personnel, veterans, and first responders who suffer from PTSD or trauma. These retreats provide a peaceful environment for healing through exposure to nature, alternative healing methods, and open communication with fellow service members. The center’s programs are 100% mentor-based, utilizing hands-on therapy that promotes camaraderie and personal growth. Activities include equine therapy, metal work, leather work, woodworking, land beautification, meal preparation, and body healing. Through these retreats, the center aims to save lives, relationships, and careers.
The 7th Annual Winter Gala was a testament to the community’s unwavering support for our heroes. The funds raised will directly benefit the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center’s programs, ensuring that veterans, first responders, and their families continue to receive the support and healing they deserve.
For those interested in supporting the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center, donations can be made through their website at sacredmtnretreat.org. Your contribution helps provide life-changing retreats and programs for those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
