Lincoln Elementary students jump rope to raise record $11,685 for American Heart Association

The long-running Kids Heart Challenge has generated roughly $160,000 since 1999 for the charity.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:53am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing the blurred silhouettes of children jumping rope in a school gymnasium, with warm, soft pools of light and color.The joyful energy of Lincoln Elementary students jumping rope to raise funds for heart health radiates through a hazy, dreamlike scene.Lakewood Today

Students at Lincoln Elementary in Lakewood, Ohio raised a record-setting $11,685 for the American Heart Association through the Kids Heart Challenge, a program that combines fitness lessons, personal motivation, and fun rewards like pieing a favorite staff member. About 250 kids participated in the event, which has generated roughly $160,000 for the charity since 1999.

Why it matters

The Kids Heart Challenge promotes heart health education and physical activity among elementary school students, while also raising critical funds for the American Heart Association's research and community programs. Lincoln Elementary's record-breaking fundraising effort demonstrates the impact that schools and students can have in supporting important health causes.

The details

Lincoln Elementary students participated in the Kids Heart Challenge, a program run by the American Heart Association that encourages kids to learn about heart health and raise money through jump rope activities. Around 250 students took part in the event, which included fitness lessons, personal goal-setting, and fun rewards like getting to pie a favorite staff member. The school's $11,685 fundraising total set a new record for the long-running challenge, which has generated roughly $160,000 for the American Heart Association since 1999.

  • Lincoln Elementary students participated in the Kids Heart Challenge in April 2026.
  • The Kids Heart Challenge has been running at the school since 1999.

The players

Lincoln Elementary

An elementary school in Lakewood, Ohio that has participated in the Kids Heart Challenge fundraiser for the American Heart Association since 1999.

American Heart Association

A non-profit organization focused on heart health research, education, and community programs.

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The takeaway

The record-breaking fundraising effort by Lincoln Elementary students demonstrates the power of engaging kids in physical activity and health education to support important causes. The Kids Heart Challenge program has had a lasting impact on the school and community, raising critical funds for the American Heart Association over the past 25 years.