TenHaken announces the return of Project 437 with the Helpline Center

SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – Mayor Paul TenHaken has announced that Project 437 will return for its second year to raise funds for the Helpline Center.

On Thursday, September 21, 2023, 12 runners from western South Dakota will embark on a 437-mile relay journey fueled by a passion to promote physical and mental well-being and the often-overlooked connection between the two. . The run will take place over 72 consecutive hours and will end on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

“The ultimate goal of Project 437 is to raise awareness and support for mental illness. Building on last year’s success, we hope to make an even bigger and broader impact in 2023,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken.

In 2022, the inaugural event raised more than $120,000 for the National Helpline, which answers mental health and suicide-related calls at the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

“Hotline” center received 437 Funds of the project. As we traveled with runners across the state, we heard from many people about the loss of family and friends to suicide. We decided to create a dedicated website with funds to provide comfort and support for South Dakotans as they navigate their grief journey. The website helplinecenter.org/loss offers grief resources and has also created a beautiful wall to remember those we have lost to suicide.”

The following returning runners will join Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken:

● Benson Langat | Therapist, Family Services, Inc.

● Kelly Marshall | Account Risk Manager, Risk Management Services

● Alex Pool | Integration Manager, Helpline Center

Additionally, first-year runners and community leaders are:

● Micah Aberson | President, Mammoth Sports

● Carter Gronseth | Emergency Nurse, Avera

● Erica Knipes | Patient navigator, Orthopedic Institute

● Lisa Larson | Office Manager, Dobesh Chiropractic

● Dr. Ross McDaniel | Founder and Doctor of ChiroSport

● John Mayer | Owner and CEO of Leadership South Dakota

● Veronika “Roni” Randai | Psychiatrist, Avera

● Rochelle Sweetman | Healthcare Consultant, Marsh McLennan Agency

For more information on Project 437, visit the437project.org.

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