29th Annual Hospital Hill Run Raises $2,000 for Caring Club House
More than 170 runners and walkers came together on Saturday, June 13th, for the 29th Annual Hospital Hill Run hosted by Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Participants enjoyed a warm, sunny morning of fitness, family fun, and community spirit while helping raise funds for a meaningful local cause.
This year’s event featured a 5K run, 5K walk, one-mile kids run, and a one-mile walk open to participants of all ages. Proceeds from the event benefited Prairie Lakes Caring Club House and generated $2,000 to support its ongoing mission of serving patients and families traveling to Watertown for healthcare services.
In addition to fundraising through event participation, runners and walkers were encouraged to donate items from the Caring Club House wish list. Their generosity resulted in boxes filled with paper towels, cleaning supplies, canned goods, popcorn, and other household essentials for guests staying at the facility.
Pictured are members of the Hospital Hill Run Committee: Shannon Barker, Karen Henricks, Suellen Roby, Caring Club House caretaker, Lydia Newman, Isabella Kerkvliet, and Ashlyn Lemme. Not pictured are Nicole Hansen, Alison Gilbertson, Chelsea and Todd Hodenfield, Chief Tim Toomey, Michelle Jensen, and Ryan Remmers of the Watertown Police Department.
Sponsors of the 2026 Hospital Hill Run included Community Blood Bank/Avera, Big Stone Therapy, Glacial Lakes Kennel, Harmony Hill/Sanford, and Reliabank. Additional sponsors included Dakota Portable Toilets, Inc., Beef Logic, Inc./BL Johnson Beef, and Fast Threads. Generous anonymous community members also contributed more than $300 in cash donations during the post-race awards ceremony.
The Caring Club House serves as a home away from home for out-of-town patients, families, and caregivers receiving services through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Funded and furnished entirely through community donations and support, with annual operating expenses exceeding $17,000.
To make a financial contribution or learn about volunteer opportunities, please contact Ashlyn Lemme, Foundation Coordinator, at 605-882-7716. All donations are appreciated and tax-deductible as allowed by law.