Dash by the Past 5k Raises Funds for Mental Health

The 2025 Dash by the Past 5k race down historic Meridian Street raises funds for mental health care training at Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis

Indianapolis - February 28, 2025

St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild and Stock Yards Bank & Trust are teaming up for the 2025 Dash By the Past 5K run/walk on Saturday, April 12, running down historic Meridian Street in Indianapolis. Funds raised will support mental health programs at Eskenazi Health.

According to the American Psychological Association, ninety percent of the general public believes there is a mental health crisis in the United States, and more than one-third of survey respondents nationally weren’t able to get the mental health services that they needed.

St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild and Stock Yards Bank & Trust are working to change those statistics in central Indiana. Funds raised from the upcoming event will support the John and Kathy Ackerman Mental Health Professional Development Center at the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center. In partnership with local universities, the Ackerman Center aims to increase the number of dual-licensed clinical social workers and clinical addiction counselors in central Indiana.

“Dash by the Past is a unique and enjoyable way to travel by foot down historic Meridian Street, while at the same time taking a stroll down memory lane,” said St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild President Julie Qualkinbush. “The Decorators’ Show House and Gardens past show houses will be represented, cheering participants on while they help raise money for Eskenazi Health.”

The racecourse will take dashers down historic Meridian Street and will be closed to automobile traffic, a rare occurrence that will allow participants and their cheer squad to take in the beauty of the area’s historic homes and businesses.

This year is the third running of the Dash and Stock Yards is back as the event sponsor. “Supporting the residents of Indianapolis is extremely important to Stock Yards Bank & Trust,” says Stock Yards Market President Paula Moan. “Increasing the availability of mental healthcare is extremely important and the bank is committed to supporting these efforts.”

St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild has supported healthcare in the city since its inception in 1908 benefiting the then City Hospital. Since 1962, the annual Decorators’ Show House and Gardens event has become the Guild’s signature fundraiser. The Dash by the Past 5k will run directly past many former show homes.

“Dash by the Past 5K is a wonderful opportunity to see some of the historic homes that have been a part of the St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild Decorators’ Show House and Gardens’ rich history,” said Lisa Harris, M.D., chief executive officer, Eskenazi Health. “Events like these have benefitted Eskenazi Health for more than a century, and we are grateful for the Guild’s steadfast support of our patients and services.”

The event begins and ends at the Meridian Restaurant & Bar at 5694 N. Meridian St. Each registered participant receives a T-shirt with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place male and female finishers in the 5K; a one-mile route is also offered. Children ages 0-4 do not need to be registered. For more information, and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Indianapolis/DashbythePast