Nikki’s Fund 5k run/ walk is scheduled for September 15

This year’s Nikki’s Fund walk/ run will be held in Prentis park Sept. 15 during National Suicide Prevention week activities Sept. 9-15 at the University of South Dakota. This will be Vermillion’s seventh annual Nikki’s fund event.

“It’s more important now, more than ever, to do something for the students at USD who fight depression,” said Janine Harris, Manager of the Al Neuharth Media Center, and founder of Nikki’s Fund, in a press release.

Harris started the event in memory of her Daughter Nicole who died from suicide in June 2005.

“The main goal, in starting this event, was to make a bigger awareness of suicide. When you lose a loved one to suicide, it’s OK to talk about it. People need to know that their grief is the same as anyone else’s and they need to be comforted just as much. We started this event to let people know that help is out there,” said Harris.

All those interested in the event can find pre-registration forms and more information at the front desk of the Al Neuharth Media Center on the USD Campus, at the USD Student Counseling Center located in Julian Hall 336, or online at www.allsportcentral.com.

This year, Harris plans to do the walk run in honor of Stacey Myers. Myers recently passed away in a car accident but was heavily involved in Nikki’s Fund and was helping plan this year’s event.

Participants can also register the day of the event before 8 a.m. but participants can save $10 by registering before Sept. 13.

All proceeds from the event, including the registration fee and all donations, will go toward Nikki’s Fund to support suicide prevention programs and other mental health needs for USD students. On average the event raises about 5000 dollars a year. So far Nikki’s Fund has risen close to 25 thousand total.

The race/walk is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. in Prentis Park. Through out the day refreshments will be provided, along with t-shirts for the event. For more information about Nikki’s Fund or to make a donation, please call (605) 677-5424.