‘Let’s glow’ — Run raises money, awareness for suicide prevention
Participants make their way around Kidsports Complex during the Glow Run to raise money for the Nate Chute Foundation on Saturday, Oct. 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Participants wait for the start of the Glow Run at Kidsports Complex on Saturday, Oct. 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Participants start the Glow Run at Kidsports Complex on Saturday, Oct. 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Participants wait for the start of the Glow Run at Kidsports Complex on Saturday, Oct. 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Participants make their way around Kidsports Complex during the Glow Run to raise money for the Nate Chute Foundation on Saturday, Oct. 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Participants make their way around Kidsports Complex during the Glow Run to raise money for the Nate Chute Foundation on Saturday, Oct. 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Participants make their way around Kidsports Complex during the Glow Run to raise money for the Nate Chute Foundation on Saturday, Oct. 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Shot with a slow shutter speed, participants make their way around Kidsports Complex during the Glow Run to raise money for the Nate Chute Foundation on Saturday, Oct. 30. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Runners and walkers lit up Saturday night at a Glow Run to benefit the Nate Chute Foundation for suicide prevention.
“Our hope for you guys tonight is that we can bring some light into the community and just have a good time with it. We’re so honored and humbled you are here,” said organizer Lindsay Kinniburgh, president of the Flathead Valley Exchange Club.
This is the first run the nonprofit service club and the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors Young Professionals Network have organized together and they’re hoping it will become an annual event to support area nonprofits.
This year, organizers chose to support Nate Chute as a way to spotlight prevention awareness following a number of suicide deaths in the valley, according to Kinniburgh.
After Kinniburgh’s welcome, a steady stream of participants equipped with glowing necklaces, headbands and glasses flowed through an arch of balloons to make their way around the Kidsports Complex. On the eve of Halloween, many wore costumes, including runners Kelsey Hattel of Kalispell and Laurel King of Whitefish who were dressed as superheroes. The two friends came out to show support for a cause they had a connection to as teachers in a school district affected by a suicide cluster among teens.
“We just want to show our support to anyone who is feeling that way and just know that they’re loved and we’re here and we’re going to run for them,” Hattel said.
King added, “This hopefully brings awareness of how to find help and that there are resources.”
With event registration at around 200, participants and donors raised approximately $7,000, with proceeds yet to be counted from all event sponsors and participating food trucks that pledged to donate 10% of the night’s earnings. Organizers anticipate that will bring them to their $10,000 goal.
“We just want to thank the community,” said organizer Mireille Bierens, vice president of the exchange club.
Kinniburgh added, “I had so many people reaching out that I didn’t expect to, wanting to sponsor. People are just reaching out and so excited to be a part of this. It’s overwhelming, overwhelming,” she said.
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about someone, or would like emotional support, call or text the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org to chat instead. The hotline is available 24/7, is free and confidential.
Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.
