Homewood’s Edgewood Elementary School recently was recognized by the American Heart Association for raising more than $55,000 through the Association’s Kids Heart Challenge.
According to a press release from the AHA, this makes Edgewood Elementary one of the top fundraising schools in the state.
Edgewood launched its Kids Heart Challenge in February, also recognized as American Heart Month, with a theme of “Who are you jumping for?”
To jumpstart fundraising, Edgewood staff put together an inspirational video of not only students and faculty but also well-known Homewood locals and notable Edgewood alumni, including several NFL players.
“With the awesome students at Edgewood combined with a community always willing to get behind a good cause, that’s a recipe for success,” physical education teacher John Dorough said in a press release. “We’re proud to support the American Heart Association to make a difference in the lives of those affected by heart disease.”
Kids Heart Challenge offers a wide array of physical activities, such as dance, basketball or jumping rope, paired with digital resources to learn life-saving skills such as CPR. It helps boost heart health and self-esteem while reducing stress and anxiety through yoga, dance and obstacle courses, for instance.
The program helps prepare kids for success by supporting physical and emotional well-being while presenting learning resources and physical activities to meet the needs of youth and educators.
Funds raised by Kids Heart Challenge participants support the American Heart Association’s scientific research and outreach programs.
