Koch was moved to share those words with RIA Think Tank group members this winter, when a video was released showing a fundraising run that his store and one of its group run members participated in. The video summary on YouTube described the event: “From Sept. 22 to 25, 2022, 12 participants ran the 437 miles across South Dakota to increase awareness for suicide prevention and to raise funds for The Helpline Center — the only accredited suicide crisis center in the state. Known as The 437 Project, this endeavor reached communities both big and small and cast light on the need for mental health support and resources. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield sponsored one of the runners, Alex Pool.”

Koch recalled, “Alex was a very shy runner when he started coming to our group run at the shop. We soon discovered that he worked in IT support for the Helpline Center. When we started The 437 Project. his name came up as a participant, I think he was the perfect choice and to see him in this video is truly incredible.”

View the story of Alex’s journey and the outcome of the run.

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