The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, recognizes Miles Moore from Mamie P. Whitesides Elementary School as the 2023-2024 top Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser in South Carolina. Moore raised an impressive $3,785. For comparison, the average amount raised per student at Whitesides Elementary was $122. The school raised over $25,000 collectively.
The Association’s school-based program, Kids Heart Challenge/American Heart Challenge, offers a variety of physical activities to get elementary and middle school students’ hearts pumping such as dance, basketball or jumping rope paired with Finn’s Mission, an online component where students can earn digital badges for learning life-saving skills like Hands-Only CPR™ ,how to spot a stroke, ways to combat stress, and ideas for healthy eating. The program has nearly 50 years of proven success rooted in scientific research that shows that kids who are regularly active feel better, have improved mental health, build self-esteem, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression.
“I love finding creative ways to raise money,” said Moore. Moore’s parents host ultra races, and he works with them to provide incentives from participants who donate to his campaign. “One of my favorite parts of Kids Heart Challenge is watching the videos about how to be healthy and learning how to help save someone’s life with Hands-Only CPR. I also like the prizes and the fun things we do in class with the program.”
“We are so proud of Miles and his dedication,” said Bridgette Gemerek, physical education teacher at Whitesides Elementary. She continued, “We love doing the Kids Heart Challenge because it benefits our students in a variety of ways. Not only does it build a foundation for healthy habits – the fundraising element allows students to make an impact in our community.”
To learn more about the Kids Heart Challenge/American Heart Challenge or to enroll your school to participate, visit www.heart.org/getstarted.
