Blevins' Students Jump on Heart Disease Fund Raising

students in jumped all over heart disease by participating in the second annual Gus Berry Jump Rope for Heart event. The event celebrates the life of Gus Berry, a former Blevins Elementary student who lost his life in 2010 as a result of heart complications, according to materials.    

In 2011, students jumped rope and raised $5,626 in Berry’s memory. This year, students set their goal one dollar higher. However, with the support of the school community, Blevins Elementary raised $7,304—surpassings its goal by more than $1,500.

Holly Lennartz, physical education teacher, said the event as a huge success. “We’re proud of all our jumpers."

Carla O’Dell, physical education teacher, said, “Everyone had fun participating in this event; Blevins is blessed to be located in such a caring community!”

Donations raised during the Jump Rope for Heart event help fund research to fight heart disease and stroke, as well as support the American Heart Association’s public and professional education programs. Co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Jump Rope for Heart is a program that promotes physical fitness and heart health by jumping rope.