STAFFORD – At Ocean Acres Elementary School, the concept of having a “little heart” has taken on a whole new significance. Despite their small stature, students from pre-K, first grade, and second grade classes have proven themselves to be larger than life in raising funds for the American Heart Association.
Not only did they earn the top spot in donations from Ocean County schools, but Ocean Acres students also secured a remarkable second place finish out of the 700 schools that participated in the Kids Heart Challenge Program in New Jersey. With 364 students raising $51,824, the local school ranked in the top 20 nationwide for their fundraising efforts.
“Our goal this year was $25,000,” shared Principal Susan D’Alessandro. “For each increment of money, the kids received different prizes. But what’s even more important is the American Heart Association teamed up with the NFL for Finn’s Mission to teach kids hands only CPR.”
Finn’s Mission pays tribute to the remarkable journey of nine-year-old Finn Blumenthal from Virginia. Born with a congenital heart defect, Finn was only five years old when he collapsed in a local food store. His life was saved by trained bystanders and the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
A National Ambassador for the American Heart Association, Finn’s story easily hits home with children across the nation. And, while the Kids Heart Challenge aims to educate kids on maintaining heart health and fundraising for peers facing heart-related issues, Finn’s Mission elevates the initiative by providing hands-on only training in CPR and raising awareness about stroke symptoms.
“It is our hope that Finns Mission has prepared you to know what to do,” said Matthew Fernandes, Vice President for School Engagement for the American Heart Association to the students gathered to celebrate the school’s achievements. “In case you are ever in a situation where someone is having a cardiac issue.”
The 95 Ocean Acres families who participated in Finns Mission will all be entered into a sweepstakes drawing for two tickets to the 2025 Super Bowl and the 2025 Super Bowl Experience.
However, the real prize could ultimately be a life saved by those trained in Finn’s Mission. Fernandes said the idea that children can successfully perform CPR has already been proven.
“There’s the story of a young boy named Phil,” said Fernandes. “He and his mom saved someone’s life together because they learned CPR.”
Six students who raised the most money for the American Heart Association transformed teachers and administrators into sticky chickens. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Fundraising Gets Sticky
The fundraising drive was not just about giving back but also about having fun. Prizes were awarded based on fundraising achievements, with the top earners hitting center stage to create a hilarious – and rather sticky situation.
The first round of participants were three gym teachers who stepped into hooded white jumpsuits for protection. They then added goggles and beaks and kneeled in place as children squirted bottles of syrup onto them so that the colorful feathers thrown next would easily stick to them.
And, to make things extra sweet – three school district administrators also embraced their feathered fate. Laughter filled the air as Superintendent George Chidiac, Principal D’Alessandro, and Supervisor Jennifer Lowe, transformed into the second round of “sticky chickens,” bringing the total to a comical six.
Six staff members were turned into “sticky chickens” – the price of fundraising for a good cause. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
“The kids who did Finn’s Mission were also able to take an ‘impossible’ shot with a ball,” D’Alessandro added. “We had three kids who actually made the shot.”
Second grade student, Reny Taylor, brought in $1,000 in donations to the Kids Heart Challenge. She said it was fun to turn her principal into a sticky chicken but also had a true appreciation for the reason for the fundraiser.
“I like that it helps people with their hearts,” smiled Reny. “And that it helps raise money for people’s hearts.”
Fernandes said that money raised by the students will be used for research, education and advocacy programs related to cardiovascular disease and stroke – to help people young and old.
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