Fort Wayne, Indiana, saw a heartfelt community gathering on September 14, 2025, as Erin’s House for Grieving Children hosted its inaugural Healing Heart Hustle 5K at Shoaff Park. The remembrance run and walk brought together hundreds of participants to honor lost loved ones while raising funds for programs that support grieving children, teens, and families across northeast Indiana.
This new event replaces the organization’s long-standing Lights of Love Memorial, shifting from a holiday tradition to a lively outdoor activity that promotes healing through movement and shared stories.
Event Highlights and Community Impact
The Healing Heart Hustle 5K drew runners, walkers, and families from Fort Wayne and surrounding areas, creating a space for remembrance and support. Participants laced up for a timed 5K course along scenic paths in Shoaff Park, with options for both competitive runners and casual strollers.
Event organizers reported strong turnout, with many sharing personal tributes through custom memorial yard signs displayed along the route. These signs featured photos and messages honoring deceased family members, adding an emotional layer to the day.
After the race, families enjoyed interactive activities at the RiverLodge Pavilion, including medal-making for kids, snacks, and snow cones. The atmosphere blended fun with reflection, helping attendees connect over shared experiences of loss.
Proceeds from registration fees directly fund Erin’s House peer-support groups, which have helped thousands since the nonprofit’s founding in 1993. Last year alone, the organization served over 500 families, offering free counseling and activities to navigate grief.
Why This Event Matters Now
In a time when mental health awareness is rising, events like the Healing Heart Hustle address a critical need. Grief support for children has gained attention amid recent national conversations on youth mental health, especially after challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic that left many families dealing with sudden losses.
Erin’s House steps in where schools and communities often fall short, providing age-appropriate programs that teach coping skills. Experts note that unaddressed grief in kids can lead to long-term issues like anxiety or depression, making initiatives like this vital.
The 5K also ties into broader trends, such as the growing popularity of charity runs. Similar events across the U.S., like those by organizations supporting bereaved families, have raised millions in recent years. For instance, national groups reported a 15 percent increase in participation for grief-related fundraisers in 2024, reflecting a public push for communal healing.
Local leaders praised the event for boosting community bonds in Fort Wayne, a city that has seen its share of challenges, including rising youth mental health concerns post-pandemic.
Here are key ways the event supports grieving families:
- Free access to peer groups where kids share stories with others facing similar losses.
- Family nights that include parents and siblings for whole-family healing.
- Specialized programs for teens, focusing on building resilience through activities like art and sports.
Participation Details and Costs
Getting involved was straightforward, with options to suit different ages and budgets. Adults paid 35 dollars for in-person participation, which included a race-day t-shirt, timing, and post-event perks. Youth aged 3 to 18 joined for 20 dollars, gaining extras like medal-making.
Virtual options allowed remote supporters to contribute without attending, expanding the event’s reach. Custom memorial signs cost an additional fee, with proceeds enhancing the display and going home with families afterward.
To break down the registration perks, consider this overview:
| Category | Cost | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Adult In-Person | $35 | T-shirt, timing, snacks, memorial activities |
| Youth In-Person (3-18) | $20 | All adult perks plus medal-making |
| Virtual Participant | Varies | Digital badge, online community access |
| Memorial Sign Add-On | $25 | Custom photo and message display |
These funds ensure Erin’s House can continue its mission without charging families for services, relying entirely on donations and events.
Looking Ahead to Future Events
Organizers plan to make the Healing Heart Hustle an annual tradition, building on this year’s success. Feedback from participants highlighted the event’s role in fostering hope, with many expressing interest in returning next year.
Erin’s House leaders aim to grow the 5K, potentially adding more activities or partnering with local businesses for sponsorships. This aligns with the nonprofit’s goal to expand services amid increasing demand, as grief support needs have surged by 20 percent in Indiana over the past five years, according to state health reports.
Community members can stay involved through volunteer opportunities or donations, helping sustain programs that make a real difference.
Broader Context in Grief Support
Nationwide, organizations like Erin’s House play a key role in addressing childhood grief, which affects one in 14 kids before age 18, per recent studies. Events like this not only raise money but also reduce stigma around discussing loss.
In Fort Wayne, the 5K complements other local efforts, such as school-based counseling initiatives that have expanded since 2023. By combining exercise with remembrance, the event promotes physical and emotional well-being, a trend seen in similar runs across the Midwest.
Experts recommend such activities for their therapeutic benefits, noting that movement can help process emotions. This year’s debut sets a positive tone for ongoing community support.
What do you think about community events like the Healing Heart Hustle 5K? Share your thoughts in the comments below or spread the word by sharing this article with friends who might benefit from knowing about Erin’s House programs.
