March 18, 2024

Jump-rope event kickstarts hearts, fundraising

Four Newton schools jump toward goals

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“Out of monkeys — sorry.”

That was what P.E. teacher Steve Pearson had to write on a sign after supplies of one of the most popular T-shirts were depleted during this week’s Jump Rope for Heart program at Aurora Heights Elementary school.

That didn’t seem to curtail the enthusiasm shown by Aurora Heights students while jumping rope this week. Students from Aurora and the three other Newton elementary schools — Thomas Jefferson, Berg and Woodrow Wilson — all participated in the nationwide charity effort.

For more than 30 years, the Jump Rope for Heart program has been helping the American Heart Association meet its fundraising goals, while helping educate youth about heart-healthy practices. The AHA's website, www.heart.org, says the fundraising has funded scientists who went on to win Nobel Prizes for their work.

There are a number of gifts students can win for donating or helping raise money to donate to the AHA. One of the upper-level gifts is a Zike 150 scooter, and one of the more unique lower-level prizes is a duck toy called the “splatter quacky and lanyard.”

Schools and individuals can also donate online, and can upload videos of themselves, imploring their peers around the globe to get involved in the effort. There is also an art contest.

Pearson, who ran the program this week at Aurora Heights and Woodrow Wilson, said final totals should be available Monday or Tuesday.

Heidi Woollums headed up the jump-rope sessions at Jefferson, while and Eric VanderVelden coordinated the efforts at Berg.