In an effort to fight childhood obesity--the nation’s leading health threat--students from Huron Valley school district raised over $62,000 for the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope For Heart program. On March 1 at 3 p.m., students at Highland Elementary Middle School will have the opportunity to play in ice-cream by transforming their physical education teacher, Sherry Bell, into a human ice-cream sundae.
Jump Rope For Heart teaches students how exercise benefits the heart and demonstrates to students that volunteering can be fun and beneficial to the whole community. As a result of participating in the program, students learn the importance of community service and benefit from a fun-filled assembly. Funds raised help the Association advance cardiovascular research and public and professional education programs.
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“I am excited that the students reached their goal,” said Sherry Bell, Jump Rope For Heart district coordinator and physical education teacher for Highland Elementary. “I want the students to know that hard work and good inspirations don’t go unnoticed. Because of their generosity, I’ll be sitting in a kiddie pool as they pour ice cream and toppings on me.”
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Since 2006, the district has raised over $258,000 for the Association. This year is the highest amount the district has raised since its involvement with the Association.
“Sadly, obesity is a growing epidemic in our country and it is strongly affecting our youth,” said Cindie DeWolf, youth market director of the American Heart Association. “We are thrilled to have educators like Sherry Bell, who are dedicated to educating our youth on the importance of living heart-healthy lifestyles.”
“We would like to thank the physical education teachers of the Huron Valley school district, who worked with the Association to make Jump Rope For Heart successful: Beth Dunn, Chris Browne, Rachel Cox, Ryan Arnold, Rick Wank, Jason Priebe, Lori Christopher, Dave Petoskey and John Minna. Together we’ve increased funds and awareness for cardiovascular disease,” she said.
Since 1978, Jump Rope For Heart has raised more than $810 million for research and educational programs. For more information about Jump Rope For Heart or Hoops For Heart, visit www.heart.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org
