Avondale School District annual Jump Rope for Heart events raise almost $34,000
More than 1500 Avondale School District elementary students helped raise money and awareness for the American Heart Association (AHA) during the District’s annual Jump Rope for Heart events this school year. The district’s four elementary schools, Auburn Elementary, Deerfield Elementary, R. Grant Graham Elementary, and Woodland Elementary each hosted an event that brought in a combined $33,495. This year’s total raises the amount of Avondale’s contribution over two decades of fundraising for AHA to more than $750,000.
Deerfield Elementary student concentrates on jumping rope to raise money for the American Heart Association
Elementary schools team up to support the American Heart Association
Jump Rope for Heart is an education and fundraising event that engages elementary school student in fundraising on a national level while empowering them to improve their own health. The money raised through the fundraisers supports research, advocacy and heart-health education. Prior to the events, Avondale School District physical education teachers provided student with lessons and materials that not only informed the students about the importance of developing heart healthy habits but also put the Jump Rope events into real-world context.
Elementary physical education teacher Shawn Kilbourn, who organized the event for Auburn Elementary, likes how Jump Rope for Heart complements the P.E. curriculum while giving the students a very hands-on experience that they can relate to. “Jump Rope for Heart is an opportunity for us to talk about the importance of healthy choices in a very fun and engaging way,” said Kilbourn. “It’s also a chance for the students to do something for people they may be connected to who have heart disease or a heart-related illness. The students understand that the money they raise is going to support someone or some family who is struggling. It’s a very service-based learning event,” he added.
In addition to the educational and community service pieces of Jump Rope for Heart, the American Heart Association provides a very tangible incentive for schools to participate. For every $2,000 raised during an event, AHA awards $100 gift certificates to participating schools. Kilbourn explained that the district will be purchasing equipment for P.E. class with the gift cards they were awarded. “It’s nice that AHA adds the incentive but even without that we would still participate – it’s a huge learning experience for the students on so many levels and of course it’s an important cause.”
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