Things are about to change.

The Schugels will represent Brown County at the 2B Continued 5th Annual Gala to benefit suicide prevention and mental health awareness April 12 in Glencoe.

“When Tami learned that there was no Brown County couple in the dance show, we decided to fill the spot, even though was way out of our comfort zone,” said Brad Schugel.

The Schugels are in the middle of a dozen dance lessons from Samarah Forster at Flo Dance Company in Sleepy Eye.

Submitted photo New Ulm Medical Center staff non-competitive dance performers are front row, from left, Jess Gieseke, Amber Faerber, Brandy Toomer. Back row, Kelsey Howe, Kathy Green, Kristen Sprenger, Jessica Frenning. Not pictured, Brooke Guldan, Brittany Erickson, Megan Johnson.

“Samarah has been awesome. She told us she can teach a kindergartner to dance, so she could teach my wife and I do dance too. I think it’s pretty special. It’s a great cause with local people. Funds raised don’t go to some national event,” said Schugel.

Other dancing couples are from Carver, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Renville, Sibley and Wright counties.

2B CONTINUED a local 501c3 non-profit organizatoin, strives to raise suicide prevention awareness, mental health, and wellness through advocacy, education, and outreach.

Funds raised are used for education, outreach and local community events to support the mission.

In 2024, more than 40,000 people were reached by 2B Continued programming.

Submitted photo STAR couples from Brown, Carver, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Renville, Sibley and Wright Counties are from left, Courtney, Todd Breyer Glencoe, Tricia, Dustin Mackenthun Norwood-Young America, Lisa, Jim “Winnie” Weninger Maple Lake, Gregy, Missy, Brock Litchfield, Marcus Tevis, Megan VanEyll Waconia, Josie, Whitey Sanken Brownton, Brooke, Nathan Wentzlaff Henderson, Stephanie, Jacon Brandt Gaylord, Jessica, Justin Helget St Peter, Jess, Derik Johnson Renville, Tina Castillo, Juan Elizalde Fairfax, Angie, Brad Schugel, New Ulm.

Educational offerings included Question, Persude, Refer (QPR, the mental health version of CPR, SafeTALK for Ag training, mental health first aid courses, a suicide loss bereavement support group, and a continuing education conference for professionals.

2B CONTINUED was founded by Tammy Diehn in memory of her sister, Shelly “Teuby” Teubert.

“She is remembered for being a passionate mental health nurse, as well as a hospice and homecare nurse. She cared for patients with great compassion and empathy, touching many hearts throughout her career. 2B CONTINUED is Shelly’s legacy,” said Diehn, a family nurse practioner.

“After my sister’s death, I was determined to gain a better understanding about mental health and raise awareness for suicide prevention. In doing so, I have shared my story and connected with other people who also have been touched by suicide loss. These connections have been therapeutic for my personal grief recovery,” she said.

“People have told me that others have also benefitted from my efforts. I believe it is important to talk about mental health. Anyone can play a role in suicide prevention. Together, we can make a difference,” Diehn said.

She said “Dancing Like the Stars” brings together 12 couples from area counties to compete in friendly dance competition.

For more information and to donate, visit www.2BCONTINUED.org. Call 320-854-HOPE (4673). For someone in crisis, call, text or chat 988.