Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 raises $39,000 for American Heart Association

Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 has supported the American Heart Association through Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs for more than 20 years. This year, Indian Prairie, Glacier Ridge, West and Coventry elementary schools ran Jump Rope for Heart events and raised $39,664 for the organization.

Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart are national education and fundraising events sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. While participating in a variety of jumping activities during physical education classes, students can collect donations for the American Heart Association and earn prizes.

Schools also earn gift certificates to buy equipment. The events teach students about the functions of the heart as well as the importance of exercise and developing heart-healthy habits. At the same time, students have an opportunity to help other kids with heart health issues.

West Elementary P.E. teacher Trisha Walls has been involved with the program for the past 17 years and is committed to the cause.

“We have had students at West with heart problems, and my husband has also suffered a heart attack and made a full recovery,” Walls said. “The American Heart Association offers research, education, resources and support – all made possible with events like these.”