Run supports teen mental health
Apr. 19—The Rotary Club of Queen Creek will host its second Rotary Run for Resilience 5K Run/Walk presented by Torchy's Tacos.
Set for Saturday, April 27, the race starts at 7:30 a.m. at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center, Queen Creek. Registration is open to participants of all ages and abilities.
"It's a unique landscape for a 5K run/walk," said Jason Jantzen, Rotary Club of Queen Creek president, and managing partner of Ahipoki Bowl Arizona.
"It's a timed event. Anybody can sign up — people who just want to do a 5K and want to time themselves, or those who run 5Ks as a hobby. They can run it or walk it. We use an official company for start and finish."
The Run for Resilience is the Rotary Club of Queen Creek's only fundraiser, according to Jantzen. The funds do not go to operation costs. Instead, they're earmarked for "providing counseling and mental health services for youth in the area."
Mayor Julia Wheatley kicked off last year's festivities that saw 200 participants. This time around, several mental health providers will be stationed with information, and town councilmembers will host meet and greets.
"We're trying to raise awareness and provide resources to people who don't know they exist," Jantzen said.
"As a new club, we were shocked at the resources out there. If they need to meet with someone who's in crisis in the middle of the night, counselors are available. A lot of people don't really realize that."
Jantzen called his club "unique."
"It's not your typical Rotary Club," he said. "Our members are a little bit older. We're young professionals, business owners, teachers, counselors."
The Queen Creek Rotary Club chose mental health as its cause due to the number of deaths by suicide in the area.
"We're championing improving teen mental wellness," he said. "The two things we do are the Run for Resilience and in August we do Raising Resilient Kids. We've had two Raising Resilient Kids events so far — 2022 and 2023. The general public is invited. We have professional speakers. We learn about social media, gaming. The most normal kids in the world sometimes attempt or die by suicide."
In August 2023, the event included a screening of "My Ascension." The film tells the story of Emma Benoit, who was left paralyzed after a suicide attempt.
Torchy's Tacos found it important to sponsor the run/walk, especially in light of Preston Lord's death.
"These recent events have deeply resonated with all of us at Torchy's Tacos and have unfortunately impacted our local Arizona team members, which is why we are so grateful for the opportunity to support our Queen Creek community as we heal together," said Mike Rypka, Torchy's Tacos chief executive officer and founder.
"Mental health and wellness are initiatives we are passionate about supporting within our own culture and the communities we serve every day. We are honored to join the Rotary Club of Queen Creek for this year's Rotary Run for Resilience."
