Chelsea Intermediate School Raises $35K For Heart Association

FRANKFORT, IL — Chelsea Intermediate School raised $35,917.77 for the American Heart Association through the school's Kids Heart Challenge held in April. The district said students learned about how physical activity decreases stress, how to prevent heart disease, the dangers of smoking and vaping and about taking care of their heart.

During the kick-off assembly events, Whitney Synder from the American Heart Association, was able to share a story that hits close to home: two Frankfort 157-C students performing CPR
on their mother. The district said Kristen Walenga of Frankfort went into sudden cardiac arrest in her kitchen 18 months ago and her sons jumped into action.

The two had learned about heart health and how to administer CPR in health class and during the Kids Heart Challenge, and kept their mother alive until paramedics arrived, the district said.

During the challenge, students chose between four activities: jumping rope, dancing, competing in an obstacle course, or basketball. By participating in the Kids Heart Challenge, Chelsea is able to earn money for additional PE equipment that encourages students to exercise, the district said.

Chelsea had a goal of raising $20,000, and it exceeded it by over $15,000.