Jump for fundraiser

When first-grade teacher Laurie Rahn handed her students envelopes to bring home for another school fundraiser a month ago, the children didn’t dread asking neighbors for donations again.

Lucas Donto, 6, knew that a fundraiser meant another chance for a faculty member at his school, Robert E. Willis Elementary, to perform feats such as being duct- taped to a wall and standing on a roof.

“(After fundraisers) someone at school does something funny,” Donto said.

But during the May 15 celebration of the end of the annual Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser, the East County students received a more interactive benefit. That’s because their fundraiser raised more money for the American Heart Association than any Jump Rope for Heart event in the state.

“Of all the 130 schools  I visit, I’ve never seen one put in as much time and energy as Willis... Everyone was on board.”
– Zannon Garza, American Heart Association of Southwest Florida

 

Willis was also the fourth-highest fundraiser in the Southeast region of the U.S., with $27,660 raised over the last month. Willis first-grade student Tyson Widmer, 7, raised $1,000 for the local school, and was the top fundraiser for the school and in the state for the annual event.

As a result, Widmer and the other the 179 students who each raised more than $50 poured homemade slime over the school’s gym coaches, Jason Morales and Mary Quinn.

Some students strategically poured the slime — made from applesauce, oats, water and food coloring — over both teachers, while others slowly dripped the bright colored ooze on the coaches’ heads or on their clothing.

The celebration culminated after more than four weeks of heart-healthy curriculum and activities, which included jump rope and other cardiovascular games.

Willis educators focused on the importance of eating healthy and avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and staying active.

Zannon Garza, of the American Heart Association of Southwest Florida, was surprised at the school’s level of commitment to the cause.

“Of all the 130 schools I visit, I’ve never seen one put in as much time and energy as Willis,” Garza said. “No one does that like Willis. Everyone was on board.”

Top Dollars

Grace Shawrockeys

• Age: 9; third grade
• Dollars raised: $500

Fundraising strategy: Grace didn’t leave any one out when asking for funds: She asked family members, family friends, her friends’ parents and neighbors. 

Lucas Donto

Age: 6; first grade

Dollars raised: $255

Fundraising strategy: Lucas’ family members and his parents’ friends donated to the American Heart Association. His sales pitch focused on the importance of donating, even if only $1.

Quote: “This money helps people’s hearts feel better.”