March Into The Light

Historic “March Into the Light” Celebrates Recovery from Substance Use Disorder

The first annual March Into the Light recovery walk was held Saturday, September 24, at Falls Park to celebrate recovery and provide hope and inspiration for those affected by substance use disorder in our community. 

The March started in the pre-dawn darkness, with the rising sun as a symbol of the movement to bring the disease of addiction out of the darkness and into the light. The March is the first large-scale event in the region to rally the community in support of recovery from substance use disorder.

More than 325 people participated in the event, which raised more than $30,000 to enhance recovery support, advocacy and awareness programs in the Sioux Falls area.

“We know alcohol and drug problems take people to a dark and lonely place.This disease affects thousands in our community, yet 75 percent will never get help because of barriers like shame and stigma, “ said former mayor and local radio personality Rick Knobe, who served as MC.

“Recovery enriches our community. It saves lives, strengthens families, improves our quality of life and benefits the economy,” said Mary Hitzemann, executive director of Face It TOGETHER Sioux Falls. “It’s deeply gratifying to see our community come out to show that people can survive alcohol and drug problems and live healthy and full lives.”

Participants showed their pride in recovery by wearing personalized buttons and using glowsticks to represent the many lives in our community that are touched by the disease of addiction.

Photos from the event:

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The 2011 March Into the Light was a project of Volunteer Sioux Falls and part of National Recovery Month.