For 23 years, Second Wind Fund has held a walk/run in September, Suicide Prevention Month, to raise funds for professional counseling services for Colorado youth. In 2018, HAL Sports joined in to advance their mission to decrease the incidence of suicide in children and youth by removing the financial and social barriers to treatment.
The event, held at Clement Park in Littleton, CO on September 22, 2024, offers a 5K run, a 1-mile walk, a virtual option, and fundraising/sponsorship opportunities.
“Our youth face immense pressures, anxiety, and stress that can feel overwhelming,” said Lonnie Somers, Chief HAL Officer. “We believe in the power of community and are
deeply humbled to play a role in supporting Second Wind Fund’s mission. With our
involvement in this 5K, we honor the importance of mental health awareness and stand
with those working to offer hope and prevention for our young people.”
Prominent Coloradoan, newspaper columnist, law professor, and accomplished runner, Jim Martin, greatly values the dedication of SWF, “Our family, who lost a son to suicide, is grateful for the Second Wind Fund that acknowledges the pervasive youth suicide problem in Colorado youth and provides the resources and help for the needed mental health support.”
Despite suicide being the leading cause of death for youth in Colorado it is important to note that treatment works, and recovery is possible.
“Second Wind Fund provides a bridge to hope for youth and their families, increasing access to critical mental health care for children and youth who would not have access otherwise,” said Anna Bishop, Development Director of Second Wind Fund.
Bishop added that Second Wind Fund connects youth ages 19 and under who are at risk for suicide and facing barriers to accessing care, connecting them with providers in their network, and covering the costs for 12 – 20 sessions of therapy. Second Wind Fund believes that mental health support must be accessible to all youth, and that financial status, transportation, and other barriers should never stand in the way of life-saving support. As a nonprofit, support from our community helps make this work possible and truly helps save young lives.
ABOUT HAL SPORTS
Founded and led by Lonnie and Michelle Somers, HAL Sports forges strong partnerships with its clients, demonstrating a deep commitment to the success of their events. HAL’s dedicated team stands by its partners at every stage, offering expertise to oversee and advise on all aspects of event planning and management.
HAL stands for Healthy Active Living. What is your HAL? Find out more on our website.
