Long Cane Elementary students jump for joy as they exceeded this year’s fundraising goal for Jump Rope for Heart.
The school has raised more $5,000 this year, surpassing their goal of $3,700.
Jump Rope for Heart is targeted towards elementary schools across the country that is used to promote physical activity, heart healthy living, and community service to children. During the fundraiser, students participate in physical activities, such as jump rope and other activities to get the heart pumping. In doing so, the students raised money by sponsors or by collecting donations on their own to be be donated towards research to help fight heart disease and stoke.
Long Cane physical education teacher Heather Hoates also incorporated health lessons throughout Jump Rope for Heart that focuses on how to keep the arteries clean.
“Teaching children to take care of their heart and arteries will help them be healthy for life,” said Hoats, coordinator of the school’s fundraising event since 2008. “I try to set a good example and make it fun.”
Students who raised money were able to participate in various activities such a single jump roping, Chinese jump roping, and a mini trampoline to name a few.
Hoats said an incentive that the students were given was, whoever raises $50 or more would get to choose which of the rotation teachers will be wrapped in tissue at this week’s Valentine’s party. Those who raised $40 or more would get a free t-shirt and for every $1,500 that the school raises, they get a $100 gift card from American Heart Association to go towards P.E equipment. The top fundraiser raised over $300.
“I encouraged a lot of the kids to give a dollar and most of the kids gave up their ice cream money,” said Hoats. “They gave money that they earned from parents doing chores and one student donated $21 that he had been saving for video games.”
Fundraising started the first week of school in January and, as of Monday morning, the school has raised $5,000. Last year the school raised $2,639, and in its highest year had raised $3,680.81.
The fundraiser will continue online this week and donations can be made at www.heart.org/jump.
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