The moment you realize that the next step isn't going to kill you... but it's actually going to stretch you and bring you closer to the person you want to become, that's the moment you tap into your full potential.

For some it's a step.

For some it's an application. A letter of resignation. A message to friend. A dream written down for the first time. A commitment to a loved one. It is the thing you have never stopped hoping to do.

What's the jump you feel like you could never make? What's your leap?

---Welcome to Project 281 | a 281.2 mile triathlon---

Why Project 281?
The purpose of this event is to...
...inspire others to do what they thought they never could - because when a very average person does something above average, it leaves the rest of us with a feeling of hope.
...raise $10,000 in scholarships for Richfield Young Life (YL) - a faith-based outreach youth mentoring organization that exists to show every student in the community how loved they are... 

Imagine a world in which kids understood how much they truly matter. Where their purpose and worth wasn’t dependent on the decisions of their parents, the poverty they were born into, the clothes they wear, the grades they get, or the amount of followers they have on social media. 

How do we show them how much they matter? 

We take a step towards them. When kids feel like the entire world looks down on them and wants nothing to do with their problems, when everyone shies away from their pain, we show up for them. Young Life exists to do just that – to walk alongside teenagers, help them discover their purpose, and empower them to be the best version of themselves. Through Project 281, we invite you to partner with us. 100% of donations will go directly to student scholarships for service trips, leadership experiences, and summer camps. A significant percentage of the families Richfield YL serves are under financial strain. Nearly 70% of students in Richfield Public Schools are on free or reduced lunch. Project 281 aims to give every kid the chance to develop and grow into their full potential, without having to worry about the financial burden of doing so. 

Who is Completing Project 281?
For those of you who do not know him, Darby Voeks is a passionate Youth Director for Hope Church and Richfield Young Life. Two years ago, he had the dream to complete an independent DOUBLE ironman triathlon. This fall, he'll cross the finish line.

What, Where and When is Project 281?
The 30-hour long event will take place around the Twin Cities on September 27th and 28th and will begin with the swim at 3 PM on Friday. The schedule of the race is as follows:

September 27th:
3 PM: 4.8 mile swim in Cedar Lake at Point Beach
~6 PM: 224 mile bike ride across the state of MN

September 28th:
~9 AM: 52.4 mile run (two consecutive marathons) around the Minneapolis city lakes. | Darby will cross the finish line by 9pm Saturday night at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.

There will be coordinated efforts to cheer for Darby on his path towards the finish line, with exact location shared via the Find My Friends app on all iphones and course maps shown below!. All communication or questions on the day of the race should be directed to Stephanie Wahlund (Project Director): 612-581-0331, Connor Flaherty (Co-Director): 651-402-4577, or Judy Meerkins (mother): 612-267-6356. Live updates will be shared on Facebook on the public page here https://www.facebook.com/events/767559140329825/

PLEASE CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH US AND SUPPORTING DARBY AND RICHFIELD YL. Young Life is a 501(c)3 non profit. 100% of donations are tax deductible and go directly to scholarships with Richfield Young Life.

Find giving options below...