16th Annual Nikki's Fund Virtual 5K/Walk

16th Annual Nikki's Virtual 5K Run & Walk
hosted by the USD Lost&Found Chapter

Vermillion's annual Nikki's Fund 5K Run/Walk raises money to support University of South Dakota students seeking help for depression and suicide ideation and highlights the efforts made on USD’s campus to help students build resilience and prevent suicide. Hosted by the student-run chapter of Lost&Found at the University of South Dakota, Nikki's Run carries on a long legacy of helping students, faculty, and staff support the mental health needs of USD students, founded in memory of Nicole "Nikki" Vallie Harris.

On May 1st, 2021, join us as we walk, run, and raise our voices for students in need of mental health resources. Together, we can be the difference we wish to see in our world, starting with students right here in Vermillion, SD.

Join us on May 1 to raise funds for students helping students find the mental health resources they need!

ABOUT THE EVENT

The 16th Annual Nikki's Fund 5K Run/Walk event was created in 2006 by Janine Harris, an employee of the University of South Dakota, in honor of her daughter Nicole ("Nikki"), to support USD students facing financial challenges in need of medication and counseling support. Over the past 16 years, over $50,000 has been raised through Nikki's Run to support USD students in need. Nikki's Run has been supported through the volunteer support of the family of Nicole Vallie Harris, the USD Student Counseling Center, and USD Lost&Found. Today, USD Lost&Found, a student mental health advocacy and mentorship organization, serves as the primary host and beneficiary of Nikki's Run to continue the legacy of students supporting students at USD.

Learn more about the origins of Nikki's Fund and this event here: http://volanteonline.com/2014/09/suicide-awareness-walk-provides-healing-moments/

As South Dakota and the rest of the country begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Nikki's 5K Run and Walk event is a virtual event. Runners, walkers, and supporters are encouraged to participate at any time that is convenient to them on the day of the event (Saturday, May 1) and share their results on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter with the hashtag #RunforResilience, #WalkforResilience, or #ISupportResilience to celebrate the support of the community for USD students in need of mental health resources. No matter how you move, let's show our support for USD students!

REGISTRATION, TEAM INFORMATION, & PRIZES

Registration & Team Information

Registration is open until noon CT on May 1, 2021. Participants may register as an individual ($10) to support the cause or may create a fundraising team ($50) to increase your impact! Up to 25 people may join a team; teams are open to the public to join. Individuals and team members may donate or share their fundraising page to generate even more support as part of their running or walking experience. Start a challenge for your friends or invite others to join you on the trail!

All proceeds are directed toward mental health peer advocacy programs delivered by USD Lost&Found to benefit USD students needing a listening ear, connection to counseling or other on-campus resources, and activating peer support networks.

It is encouraged that teams come up with their own #hashtag to track their activity on social media! This way, USD Lost&Found can identify team members online and ensure that each person represented is a member of a specific team participating.

Prizes

Any person who uses the official event hashtags (#RunforResilience, #WalkforResilience, or #ISupportResilience) will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card!

Additional prizes will be awarded for the following categories:

• Highest Individual Fundraiser - $20 gift card
• Most Creative Individual Selfie - $20 gift card
• Highest Team Fundraiser - $50 gift card
• Most Creative Team Hashtag - $50 gift card
• Most Creative Team Picture - $50 gift card

ABOUT USD LOST&FOUND

USD Lost&Found is a student-led chapter of Lost&Found, a Sioux Falls-based 501c3 nonprofit that facilitates comprehensive suicide prevention advocacy, evaluation, and digital content programs for young adults 15-34. The USD chapter, founded in 2011, has served USD students by creating outlets for mental health peer advocacy, support of on-campus and community-wide mental health program efforts, and channeling student perspectives on mental health and suicide ideation into USD's efforts to serve its student body. USD Lost&Found hosts a variety of programs each year connecting students with the mental health ecosystem, raising awareness of suicide's impact on college-aged students, and creating the next generation of community mental health leaders.

To learn more about USD Lost&Found, follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Learn more about our impact in 2020 in the Lost&Found Annual Report.