Brooke to Hold Students v. Teachers Hoops Game

The following release was submitted by Phil Ellingsworth Jr., representing the Spring-Ford Area School District:

ROYERSFORD —After raising more than $15,100 during a several-week fundraiser event that benefited the American Heart Association, students and educators are preparing to go head-to-head in the fourth annual Jump Rope for Heart basketball game to celebrate the success of their collection efforts. The student vs. faculty basketball game tips off at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, March 30 in the school’s gymnasium, 339 N. Lewis Road in Royersford.

During the week of Feb. 6 through 13, students in first- through fourth-grade participated in the Jump Rope for Health event to raise money for the American Heart Association and support the countless programs the organization conducts for the community. The event had students participate in a jumping circuit and complete various jumping activities during their physical education classes.

By collecting donations from family members, friends, neighbors and community members, students raised $15,124.49, which surpassed 2011’s total of $12,298.85. Since the program started four years ago, Brooke Elementary students have raised $41,252.05 for the American Heart Association.

To mark its fundraising accomplishments, the school holds a culminating basketball game that allows the top 12 student fundraisers to play against some of Brooke’s faculty and staff members. While these students try to defeat their teachers in a friendly game of basketball, the rest of the school will cheer them on from the sidelines. Some of the staff playing in the game includes Building Principal Dr. Edward Mackel, the school nurse, teachers and other staff members.

Joelle Bieber, Jump Rope for Heart coordinator and Brooke Elementary physical education teacher, said this event allows students to take a stand against heart disease and raise awareness to one of the biggest health issues plaguing Americans.

“When we all come together as a school community and work toward a common goal, we can accomplish something that is truly impressive,” Bieber said. “I can’t begin to thank our principal, students, parents and staff enough for their commitment to help others because their pledge is what it takes to help fight heart disease.”