Blythe Academy raises over $25,000 for American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge

GREENVILLE, March 6, 2023 — Blythe Academy of Language leads the district as the top fundraising school for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. Students at Blythe Academy completed the Kids Heart Challenge supporting their long-term mental and physical health while raising funds to support the mission of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all.

This year, students raised a total of $25,831.49 to support the mission of the American Heart Association. Their faculty, staff and students were incredibly involved and made the campaign a school-wide initiative. Students created videos to share on social media, raised donations from family and friends and honored loved ones with heart disease throughout the school with red hearts, all in the name of heart disease and to raise awareness for the Association.

The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge™ is a school fundraising program that offers a variety of physical activities to get elementary students’ hearts pumping such as dance, basketball or jumping rope paired with mission advancement through opportunities to learn life-saving skills like Hands-Only CPR™. The program has more than 40 years of proven success rooted in scientific research which shows  that kids who are regularly active feel better, improve their mental health, build self-esteem, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression[1].

“This is the 23^rd consecutive year that Blythe Academy of Languages has participated in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. This year we set a goal to do something that has never been done before at Blythe, to raise $25,000.00. Not only did we meet this goal, but we surpassed it!” said Physical Education Teacher, Christy Street. “The Blythe students and community have proven that they have the heart to make a difference and I am very fortunate and grateful to be a member of this family. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone.”

Funds raised by Kids Heart Challenge participants support the American Heart Association’s scientific research and outreach programs, paving the way for breakthroughs and advancements that improve health outcomes and create healthier communities.

The educational curriculum and physical activities included in the Kids Heart Challenge program help meet the mental and physical needs of today’s youth and educators. The program, a successful part of thousands of schools from coast-to-coast, targets improving whole-body wellness which is vital to driving immediate and long-term health in children.

“As we know, the early years play a vital role in the development of health-related behaviors. Placing emphasis on establishing healthy environments and behaviors can help students understand the importance of wellness,” said Jenni Griffith, Youth Market director of the American Heart Association, Upstate. “Giving health a specific moment in time during the school day is an important way for the school to support the students.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans[2] only 20% of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations. In addition to improved physical health, the benefits of physical activity for children include better grades, school attendance and classroom behavior.

Schools interested in participating in the Kids Heart Challenge can register online at www.heart.org/khc.

###

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Mattie Lee; mattie.lee@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org