STURGIS, S.D. — What began as a family’s response to unimaginable loss has grown into a community effort to help others facing life’s most difficult moments.

Jayden’s Giving Heart was established after 17-year-old Jayden Hayford died in a July 15, 2023, crash involving a semi-truck near Summerset. His family created the nonprofit to honor the kind of person Jayden was, someone who looked out for others, included everyone and was always willing to help.

Vice President Anthony Hayford said the organization was founded not only to preserve Jayden’s legacy but also to provide financial assistance to families experiencing hardships. The nonprofit helps families affected by sudden deaths, house fires and other emergencies, while also helping children participate in sports and activities they otherwise may not be able to afford. Hayford said those efforts are rooted in his own family’s experience after losing their home in a fire during his freshman year of high school, when the community rallied around them with support.

Now entering its third year, the Jayden’s Giving Heart Memorial Run serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser. This year’s event will be held Saturday at the Iron Horse Saloon in Sturgis, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. and participants departing at 10:30 a.m.

Unlike a traditional motorcycle poker run, participants in cars, trucks or motorcycles follow a series of clues that lead them to multiple locations. Teams solve each hint before receiving the next, creating a family-friendly scavenger hunt that Hayford said is designed to be fun and accessible, with participants welcome to use their phones to help solve the clues. A prize will be awarded to the first team to successfully complete the course.

After the run, participants can enjoy food, a silent auction and music from a DJ. Organizers also announced plans to add a live band to next year’s event.

Registration is $12 per person, while children younger than 12 may participate free. Registration will be available only at the event. Organizers encourage community members to follow Jayden’s Giving Heart on Facebook for updates and donation information. A Cash App donation option is also available for those who wish to support the organization’s mission.