Jingle Bell Run returns Nov. 28: Tea graduate leads fundraising effort for Arthritis Foundation

The 18th Annual Sioux Falls Jingle Bell Run will take place Friday, Nov. 28 at Fawick Park, and for Tea Area High School graduate Taylor Van Emmerik, the event remains deeply personal.

Van Emmerik, a 2022 Tea Area graduate and now a first-year graduate student at Indiana University studying Public Affairs, has been involved with the event for five years. He is hoping to rally local support once again — both for the race and for his personal fundraising challenge.

This year’s Jingle Bell Run will be held on Black Friday at Fawick Park in Sioux Falls, with the race beginning at 4:30 p.m. More event details can be found at jbr.org/siouxfalls.

Van Emmerik’s connection to the Arthritis Foundation began at age nine, when he was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

“As a kid with arthritis, there wasn’t much consistency in my life. Pain could change with the weather, the stress of the day, or even how much sleep I got. I went from doctor to doctor trying to manage everything arthritis brings,” he said. “But through it all, one thing remained constant: the Arthritis Foundation. They have supported me throughout my entire 12+ year journey, giving me hope, community, and purpose.”

That support inspired him to take on the challenge of planning the Sioux Falls Jingle Bell Run as his senior project in high school — a role he continues today.

“That’s why, as my senior project in high school, I took on planning the Sioux Falls Jingle Bell Run. And today, in my fifth year planning the Jingle Bell Run, I’m pushing harder than ever,” he added. 

Van Emmerik notes the profound impact arthritis has on individuals nationwide. 

“I know firsthand the difference the Arthritis Foundation makes for more than 150,000 South Dakotans, 300,000 kids, and 60 million adults living with arthritis across the United States. Simply put, I wouldn’t be where I am, or who I am, without them,” he said. 

This year, Van Emmerik has set a goal to raise $5,000 — “$1,000 for each year I’ve been involved in planning the event.” He said the campaign is close to reaching that mark. 

“Right now, we’re less than $1,300 away from reaching that goal. Which would put my lifetime Jingle Bell Run fundraising at over $20,000 - more than the whole event brought in my first year planning it,” he added. 

Van Emmerik hopes the community will continue to recognize the significance of supporting those affected by arthritis.

“As everyday people living our lives, chances are we all know someone affected by arthritis,” he said. “The truth is, diseases like arthritis are often overlooked because they are not seen as fatal. But losing your way of life, living in constant pain, and dealing with relentless side effects can be just as devastating, if not worse, than death itself.”

He added, “Sixty years ago, if I had been diagnosed with arthritis, the best treatment available would have been over-the-counter Tylenol. Today, thanks to the Arthritis Foundation, people living with arthritis and those yet to be diagnosed have hope.”

Community members can donate to Van Emmerik’s team at: events.arthritis.org/teams/39173 or use the QR Code pictured. 

“We’re so close to our goal, and your donation could make all the difference,” he said. “And to sweeten the deal. If we hit this goal by November 26th: the inflatable Santa Suit will make a return to the 18th Annual Sioux Falls Jingle Bell Run!”