Kids Heart Challenge Returns to Fairview Elementary

Music and laughter filled the Fairview Elementary School gym on March 6 for the annual Kids Heart Challenge. In the culmination of their month-long fundraiser, students in every grade spend an hour showing off their jump roping skills to their classmates and families.

“My favorite jump rope skill is doing one foot,” said kindergartener Dominic Phea. “I can jump 44 times!” 

Phea was excited to show off his new skills to his mom, Shameka, who participated in Kids Heart Challenge when she was a student at Fairview. 

“It’s so special for the kids when the parents and grandparents show up and jump rope with them; their faces just light up,” said Fairview P.E. Coach Mike Gillum. “Heart disease is the number one killer in men and women, so it’s important that we teach our kids to take care of themselves and others, which we’re doing through fundraising.”

Every dollar raised in the Kids Heart Challenge goes to the American Heart Association (AMA) to fund research and similar educational programs. In the last 25 years as P.E. coach, Gillum has led Fairview to raise more than $340,000 for AMA, with this year’s total sitting at around $9,600.

“It makes me feel really happy to help with raising money,” said third grader Jaysie Lawrence. “My favorite part about jumping rope is having fun and trying new things. My favorite skill is probably the 360 – you hold the rope, spin in a full circle, and then you jump rope.”