Strongsville Elementary Schools Jump Rope to $30,000

Strongsville elementary schools must've been jumping to conclusions when they set a goal of $15,000 for their American Heart Association's Jump Rope For Heart event in February.

The nearly 2,500 participating students bounded far beyond that original goal, leaping as high as $30,565 in total.

The six different Strongsville elementary schools and their respective physical education teachers partnered up for the event. Students gathered sponsorship donations to jump rope for 90 minutes and were also taught heart-healthy practices.

Kinsner Elementary School raised the most money with $10,164. Also finishing strong were Surrarrer with $5,924, Drake with $5,152, Whitney with $3,808, Chapman with $3,120 and Muraski with $3,100.

By participating in the event, students also help earn their school's gift certificates for physical education equipment. Two years ago, Kinsner did well enough to receive a rock-wall obstacle, according to Cleveland.com. This year all six will receive a gift certificate.

“We are so grateful for the generosity and leadership exhibited by the students, families and faculty of the Strongsville elementary schools," said Valerie Hillow Gates, the senior vice president of the American Heart Association. "We are so fortunate to have their support in helping lead the fight against the number one killer of all Americans, heart disease. Together, we are building a culture of health and saving lives, and for that, we thank you.”

The American Heart Association received a three out of four rating from Charity Navigator. The charity spends 78.1% of its money on programs, such as public education and research support.