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‘Jump Rope for Heart’ in Basalt

Contributed report
Aspen, CO Colorado

BASALT ” Most of the student body at Basalt Elementary School ” kids in first through fourth grade ” jumped rope for more than 30 minutes at one time during the annual “Jump Rope for Heart” fundraising event on Wednesday, Feb. 18. For this annual activity, students ask for monetary pledges from friends and family who agree to support them in their jump-roping marathon. Parent volunteers come to school for the day to pass out jump ropes, turn long ropes and otherwise join in the fun. Each grade jump ropes in the gym during a designated time ” more than 100 kids at once!

BES P.E. Teacher Carol King has run the event since 2001, and over the years, BES students have raised nearly $100,000 for the American Heart Association. In exchange, kids receive “thank you prizes” based on the amount of money raised, such as T-shirts and water bottles. The school earns a small amount of credit to spend on gym equipment and gear for P.E. classes.

“It is heartwarming to watch the students bring in their contributions with a sense of pride and accomplishment,” King said. “Whether their donation is large or small, the students seem to grasp that raising money for the American Heart Association is for a ‘greater good’ beyond our school and valley.”



It’s a win-win for everyone involved. The kids love the break from the normal school routine and they learn about the importance of keeping their hearts healthy with regular exercise. Money is raised for a worthy cause, and volunteer parents love watching the kids have a ball.