The Kids Heart Challenge, formerly known as Jump Rope for Heart, is a tradition at Pine Bend Elementary School. For more than 30 years, students have participated in the program, learning about heart health, getting active, and raising funds for the American Heart Association (AHA). This year, Pine Bend students have raised nearly $20,000 for AHA with their Kids Heart Challenge jump rope event.
The Kids Heart Challenge encourages students to drink more water, find enjoyable ways to get active, and do more acts of kindness for a healthier life overall. During the month-long program, students gathered pledges for the jump rope event, which was held during each class’s physical education class on March 9. The theme of this year’s event was “Simply Minnesota.” Pine Bend Physical Education Teacher Kelly Darrow, who organizes the school’s AHA programs and jump rope events, decorated the gym with all things Minnesota, including an inflatable loon, a painting of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, and three little ducks, two yellow and one gray, to represent Duck, Duck, Gray Duck. The Minnesota Twins also donated promotional items, like branded hats and T-shirts, to Pine Bend for the Kids Heart Challenge event.
Over the years, Pine Bend’s participation has secured a spot for the school as one of the top five Kids Heart Challenge fundraisers in the state and top 20 in the nation. Students raise thousands of dollars each year to help the AHA reduce the number of heart disease and stroke victims while they discover new and fun ways to get active and jump rope.
Great job to the students on their hard work to improve their lives and those of others through the Kids Heart Challenge, and thank you to everyone who made this year's event special!