Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

From left, Linda Hicks, Center for Community Engagement office manager; Richard Sutphin, WE LEAD Health and Wellness Team member; Dave Jordan, youth market director for the American Heart Association; Justin Frye, WE LEAD Health and Wellness Team member; Katie Loudin, coordinator of outreach and leadership development; and LeeAnn Brown, director of Community Engagement and leadership development.

Jump Rope for Heart, a common activity in elementary schools, might be seen on more college and university campuses thanks to the success of West Virginia Wesleyan College’s participation in the American Heart Association’s fundraiser.

Wesleyan’s WE LEAD (Wesleyan Engaging Leaders through Education and Development) Health and Wellness Team organized the campus’ first Jump Rope for Heart event, which exceeded the fundraising goal by more than $200. Health and Wellness Team member and Jump Rope for Heart organizer Justin Frye said the group wanted to raise $500, but instead were able to make a $719.40 donation to the American Heart Association.

Dave Jordan, youth market director for the American Heart Association, said because of the success at Wesleyan, he plans to approach other colleges and universities to participate in the Jump Rope for Heart. Jordan added that Wesleyan’s Jump Rope for Heart will be used as the model program for other institutions of higher learning.

“I always enjoyed Jump Rope for Heart as a child in elementary school,” Frye said. “Those of us on the Health and Wellness Team thought this would be a fun event to host at Wesleyan and get college students involved. It is a great way to raise money for a worthy cause, and it incorporates heart health through physical activity.”

A total of 75 individuals from nine groups/organizations collected donations from family, friends, businesses, teachers, and many others. On the day of the event, those who collected the donations celebrated by jumping rope. For their fundraising and jump rope efforts, participants were rewarded with jump ropes, T-shirts and electronic items.

Although this was Wesleyan’s first Jump Rope for Heart, Frye says Wesleyan’s WE LEAD Health and Wellness Team is planning to make it an annual event to support the American Heart Association.