Students at Clear Creek Elementary School surpassed their American Heart Association’s (AHA) Kids Heart Challenge fundraising goal for the third year in a row. This year, the kids were rewarded with a LifeFlight helicopter visit to the school.
For the past two years Clear Creek Elementary has led the entire state in fundraising efforts during the Kids Heart Challenge. From Feb. 19 – to March 1 the students exceeded their goal by $8,000 to raise $48,109.16 to support the mission of the AHA.
“Behind the leadership of amazing parent volunteers and educators, Clear Creek Elementary has consistently blown me away with its efforts,” said Amy Knoll, school engagement director for the AHA. “Participating in Kids Heart Challenge is a longstanding tradition in Clear Lake and the community has proven time and again how they consistently show up to help others. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful partnership with the people of Clear Lake.”
To reward the kids for this special achievement, a LifeFlight helicopter from Fort Dodge touched down to greet the students at the school on Thurs., March 7. The students explored the helicopter and learned how the crew utilizes the science and research of the AHA to save lives.
Funds raised by Kids Heart Challenge participants support the AHS’s scientific research and outreach programs. With more than $5.7 billion invested in cardiovascular medical research since 1949, the AHA is the nation’s largest nongovernmental funder of heart and stroke research – second only to the U.S. government. In Iowa the Association is currently investing $7.8 million in 38 research studies at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
