March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

Students Raise More Than $250,000

Anne Arundel County Students Jump Rope For Heart To The Tune Of A Quarter Million Dollars

jumpforheartEven an economic downturn couldn’t dampen the generous spirits of school communities as students across the county raised $281,717.20 for the American Heart Association through Jump Rope for Heart events.

“I am amazed at how the students and their families managed to dig deep in their pockets and consciousness to help our cause despite the current recession,” American Heart Association Youth Marketing Director Lisa Baynes said.

Jump Rope for Heart is an annual event at most county elementary and middle schools in which students garner pledges from family and friends for their involvement in a variety of planned events. In addition to raising money, the events are geared to teach children the benefits of good health.

“The effort put forth by these students and the teachers who organized these events represents the greatness we know exists in our communities, said Skip Lee, coordinator of Health, Physical Education, and Dance for AACPS.

Fort Smallwood Elementary School raised the most of any county school, bringing in $18,565.91. Students at Folger McKinsey Elementary raised $15,283.54, followed by Bodkin Elementary School ($12,810.51), Benfield Elementary School ($11, 687.51), and Nantucket Elementary School ($11,530.51)

The 2008-2009 school year marked the 30th anniversary of Jump Rope for Heart. The money raised will help fund medical grants and make significant strides to help fight childhood obesity, heart disease, and stroke in the community.

“Our programs teach children about heart-healthy lifestyles, the dangers of smoking, attention to diet, and regular physical fitness,” Baynes said. “The children also learn about setting goals and working together as a team – not to mention also helping out in the community and community service and volunteerism. The research money raised over the last 30 years has resulted in many life-saving procedures such as CPR, Heart Pacemakers, FDA approved food-labeling guidelines, Open Heart surgery and valve replacements, life-saving heart medications, etc. – the list goes on and on.”

To see the total amount raised by your local school, pleaase click here. (PDF).

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