Local schools recently participated in the annual “Jump Rope for Heart” fundraiser put on by The American Heart Association (AHA) and raised thousands of dollars for the cause. The American Heart Association has been implementing “Jump Rope for Heart” in schools across the country for 30 years. This educational fundraiser teaches children about the importance of living heart healthy lifestyles while raising important funds and awareness for the American Heart Association. Heart Disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States today. The money raised is used to fund important research and educate within the community.
Not only do the schools benefit by the educational portion, but by participating they pre-qualify for grants and also earn money to purchase new P.E. equipment. Children as young as Kindergarteners jumped rope and participated in outdoor games in an effort to raise money. For the second year, The American Heart association got a little extra help from Vivian Conterio, a mom and Marketing Consultant who got local businesses to generously donate prizes to kids who raised money for the worthy cause. Cool-de-Sac Play Café couldn’t wait to help out again this year with free Brownie Coupons for Kindergarten through Second graders and Gameworks donated Free Time cards for Third through Fifth graders. Splitsville Luxury Lanes also joined in by donating Free Bowl passes. Cool-de-sac recently hosted the top money raisers from K-2nd Grades from Riviera Elementary for a Cool Play Date, and Gameworks hosted the older kids to an afternoon of fun.
Cool-de-sac’s General Manager Irene Guiot and her team members had a great time with the kids. Some of the coaches at these schools really motivated the kids by offering to dye their hair and other wild and crazy stunts, all in the name of fun for a cause.
This year, it was especially hard to fundraise. The situation in Haiti affected so many people, the schools all pitched in and raised money for Haiti as well while they were doing the AHA fundraiser so it was very tough this year. Despite the economy and other situations, kids pitched in and did what they could. So many of them have been directly affected by Heart Disease that it’s an issue “close to their heart.” It’s fabulous that in these hard economic times, people and businesses are being so generous. It’s a great cause. Take a look at some of their totals: Riviera: $8,261.51 ($1000 more than last year.) South Miami: $3,001.14 ($800 more than last year.) Sunset: $2,812.53 St. Phillips: $1,376.02 Schools that doubled their income over last year are:
Coconut Grove Elementary School McGlannan School St Christopher’s By The Sea Congratulations to all the schools, teachers, kids and the coaches. And special thanks to Cool-de-sac, Gameworks, and Splitsville.
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