This statewide event raises awareness and funds for mental health and suicide challenges.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – On Thursday, September 19, 2024, 12 runners will depart from the west side of South Dakota to begin The 437 Project for the third year in a row. This 437 mile relay-style journey was born of a passion for bolstering both physical and mental wellness and the often overlooked connection between the two. The run will take place over 72 consecutive hours. The event will conclude on Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
In 2023, a team of 12 community leaders and other volunteers endured the 437 mile run across the state to lead the initiative for mental health awareness. Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken said, “When we started The 437 Project just two years ago, we could not have imagined how many lives would be impacted by this initiative. The support and dollars raised across the state have been tremendous and more importantly, we’ve put a bright light on the ongoing issues around mental health and suicide. This important work continues, and I remain humbled to be a part of it.”
The 2023 event raised over $250,000 for the Helpline Center. The Helpline Center answers mental health and suicide related calls on the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. With the funds raised from last year’s event, Janet Kittams, Helpline Center Chief Executive Officer, shared, “The Helpline Center was honored to be the recipient of The 437 Project Funds. This past year funds from The 437 Project allowed the Helpline Center to bring in the national speaker Emma Benoit, who has turned her story of surviving a suicide attempt just before her senior year in high school into a story of recovery and hope. She inspired people across South Dakota through her personal appearance and through her film “My Ascension”. Hundreds of students and community members in South Dakota were able to hear her message of hope and resilience.”
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, Founder of The 437 Project, will be joined by the following returners:
- John Meyer | Founder of Leadmore, Director of Leadership South Dakota | Sioux Falls
- Lisa Larson | Office Manager, Dobesh Chiropractic | Mitchell In addition, first year runners and community leaders include:
- Betsy Schuster | Vice President of Program Development, The Helpline Center | Sioux Falls
- Carmen Peterson | Director of Radiology and Clinical Informatics, Philip Health Services | Philip
- Dan Santella | Journalist, KELOLAND News | Sioux Falls
- Dawn Marie Johnson | Independent Nonprofit Consultant, Sioux Falls School District Board Member | Sioux Falls
- Dr. Jonathan Buchanan | Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Avera Orthopedics | Sioux Falls
- Jessica Rumpca | Family Nurse Practitioner, Avera | Pierre
- Lexie Warejcka | Labor Program Specialist, Department of Labor and Regulation | Platte
- Mark Scharnberg | Chief Financial Officer, Vance Thompson Vision | Sioux Falls
- Martin Wennblom | North Middle School Teacher, Rapid City Area Schools | Rapid City
- Susan Kornder | Executive Director, Northeastern Mental Health Center | Aberdeen
For more information about The 437 Project, visit the437project.org.
