APID CITY, S.D. — The 437 Project has announced a donation of $322,041.60 to the Helpline Center, bringing the organization’s four-year total raised for the center to over $1 million in support of mental health and suicide prevention across South Dakota.
The presentation of the check was made in Sioux Falls on Oct. 9, 2025, in a community celebration. Janet Kittams, CEO of the Helpline Center, expressed gratitude, stating that the unwavering dedication and passion of the runners in spreading a message of hope and support has had a profound impact on the state. The funds raised are intended to strengthen suicide prevention and aftercare services throughout South Dakota.
The 437 Project was founded on a passion for improving both physical and mental wellness and the connection between the two. This year’s project began on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Wyoming/South Dakota Border, where 12 runners participated in a relay-style run across the state of South Dakota. The team held events along the route in Rapid City, Pierre, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls to share their stories, raise awareness, and offer mental health resources. The 437-mile journey concluded at the Iowa/South Dakota Border on Sunday, Sept. 28.
The Helpline Center is the only accredited suicide crisis center in South Dakota. Donations to The 437 Project support the center’s work in connecting those who have lost a family member or friend to suicide with resources and support groups. The funds will also provide Helpline Center staff with training to identify those at risk of suicide and offer life-saving help.
For those in the Black Hills or anywhere in South Dakota seeking more information about The 437 Project, including this year’s runners and sponsors, the organization’s website is the437project.org. The media contact for the project is Kelly Marshall, Chair, who can be reached at (605) 941-5841 or info@the437project.com.