JFK Elementary School Raises $15,846.62 for the American Heart Association

A crowd of students in front of John F. Kennedy Elementary School erupted into cheers and laughter as cold, sticky whipped cream dripped down the faces of physical education teachers Jennifer Purcell and Eric Buzzetto. Just as the jubilation began to die down, two students stepped up and the crowd started a new countdown that ended with even more whipped cream in the teachers’ faces.

“My favorite part was his face,” said second grader Grace Vanzo with a huge grin. She had just smooshed a tin of whipped cream in Coach Buzzetto’s face. “The look on his face was just so funny.”

Grace and six other students had the pleasure of “pieing” their physical education teachers because they raised the most money for their grades in this year’s Kids Heart Challenge, a fundraising event for the American Heart Association that also teaches students about full body wellness.

“I never thought I would actually do it,” Grace said. “This is my first year signing up for the Kids Heart Challenge.”

This year was the school’s most successful challenge yet with $15,846.62 raised.

“I think it was so successful this year because we included the Kids Heart Challenge in our physical education curriculum, our morning meetings and in the classroom,” said Coach Purcell. “Students were able to draw pictures, do activities and get excited about it throughout the school, which encouraged them to register. They also learned about the importance of the American Heart Association and why we do the Kids Heart Challenge. Some of the kids felt very moved by the information and wanted to help others. It’s a great opportunity to teach students that they can do good for their community.”

Jack Pavletich, a kindergartner who was the top fundraiser in the school with $1,556.45 raised, said he had a little help from his dad’s friends.

“My dad is a policeman and his friends were donating,” Jack said.

As the top fundraiser, he got to pie both coaches.

“My favorite part was seeing my friend Luke pie Coach B in the face,” he said. “I liked when I did it too. It was fun how everybody was cheering.”

The top fundraisers all won individual prizes, but the whole school benefits as well thanks to give-backs built into the program.

“We used some of it for recess toys so that each kid can benefit,” said Coach Purcell. “We use some of it for equipment in the gym as well. We want those who fundraise to help everyone.”

Congratulations to the top fundraisers and thank you to everyone who participated!

  •       Top fundraiser in the school: Jack Pavletich
  •       Second grade: Theodore Mallozzi and Grace Vanzo
  •       First grade: Luke Curley and Julia Catalanotto
  •       Kindergarten: Lacey Rau and Andrew Taormina

To take a peek at the event and some of the activities students took part in during the Kids Heart Challenge, check out this video made by Coach Purcell.

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Submitted by Brewster, NY

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