09/13/2026
Yesterday’s JUST STAY 5K was everything we hoped it could be—and such a reminder of what happens when a community decides to show up for one another.
First and foremost, thank you, God. 🙏
Thank You for moving the rain out and giving us a beautiful morning. Thank You for putting that little tug on people’s hearts that said, “Go. Show up. Be part of this.” And thank You for giving us an opportunity to use something as simple as a 5K to remind people that their lives have value and purpose.
We had 65 participants of ALL ages, with people joining us from Yates Center and surrounding communities. Some ran. Some walked. Some biked. But every single person crossed that finish line for something bigger than a time on a clock 💜
We received so many donations, contributions, helping hands, and words of encouragement. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Kendra Shaw & Derek Shaw, Sharla Miller, and Kathe Hamman! Thank You to G&W of Yates Center for donating snacks and water for the participants. Shout out to the City of Yates Center Police Department and Woodson County Sheriff’s Department for helping patrol the highway, making sure everyone got across the highway safely!
We so appreciate the Generous Donations from:
ATMOS Energy
Chris & Kenyon Holloway
Nik Morrison & Addie Morrison
Jeff & Amber Morrison
Donna Hibbard
KJ Electrical
Plus, the so many of you who gave more than just the registration fee!
Please know how incredibly grateful we are for every person and business who gave, participated, shared a post, invited someone, or simply helped us spread the message!
Because of YOU we raised over $3000 for The Wildcat Connect, Yates Center High School’s Mental Health Club!!
I hope the impact of yesterday goes far beyond the dollars we raised.
One of the biggest messages we wanted people to leave with was this: Making a difference doesn’t always happen in the big moments. Most of the time, it happens in the ordinary ones.
It’s noticing the friend who seems a little quieter than usual.
Sitting next to the kid who feels left out.
Making the phone call.
Inviting someone to get a coffee or share a meal.
Giving a hug.
Just SHOWING UP and asking “Are you okay?”— then caring enough to stick around for the real answer.
You may never know when one ordinary interaction becomes an extraordinary moment in someone else’s life!
And yesterday was not the finish line for this mission. It’s just the beginning.
Our community already has another opportunity to KEEP GOING. 💜
Beginning September 23rd, my friend is leading the 100 Day Promise—spending the final 100 days of the year running ONE MILE EVERY DAY in honor of Chay, a friend we lost to su***de.
100 days. 100 miles.
One promise to keep showing up 🦋
So anyone who felt that tug yesterday—or feels it reading this today - join us: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FAWNSrvyA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Because we don’t want su***de prevention to be something we talk about for one morning… We want it to change the way we show up for people every single day.
And if you’re the person who needs the reminder today:
JUST STAY.
Your story isn’t over.
You matter.
Circumstances change.
Keep going.
God still has a purpose for you. 💜🩵
Thank you to all 65 of you who helped us make that message a little louder yesterday.
This is only the beginning.
