Dave and their younger son, Mark, play modest tournament-level chess. They have been to the annual round of national scholastics, including the Supers. De decided to do something about it and began a crusade. Cash in hand they founded the Sioux Empire Chess Foundation, bought and distributed sets, boards and clocks to local schools and, mainly due to De's driving energy and follow-through, enticed principals and teachers into developing chess classes and school clubs. They organized local scholastic tournaments, using Foundation funds to pay entry fees and USCF memberships for underprivileged youngsters who otherwise could not participate.
News spreads fast on the prairie and soon outlying towns sent children to the events.
De went to a nearby Indian reservation, found an enthusiast who wanted to try setting up a club there. More equipment, including books and training videos, were donated to the new group. The site is the Convention Center ballroom and they are already planning for 1998. He is proudest about not having lost a single donor from last year. They are here to spread the thrill and enthusiasm for chess and the community is waiting.