For Star Journal

James Williams Middle School hosted a Hoops For Heart event to raise awareness and money for the American Heart Association. The AHA funds research, programs and education to fight heart disease and stroke, the nation’s number one and number four killers.

JWMS students raised over $950for the American Heart Association. Eighth grader Emily Malone was the top fundraiser in the school, bringing in $570 for the cause. Staff members volunteered their time and joined classes to challenge students to $1 mini-games which raised $50 during the two day event.

“I’m so pleased with the success of this year’s event,” said Amanda Rezny, Hoops for Heart coordinator. “We all had a lot of fun, a lot of staff got involved and the kids enjoyed learning about the importance of heart healthy lifestyles and how they can play a role in saving lives.”

Hoops for Heart is a program that promotes physical activity and heart health through playing basketball. It is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and SHAPE America-Society of Health and Physical Educators.

To make a donation or to find out more about Hoops for Heart, call your nearest American Heart Association office at 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721). You can also visit online atheart.org/hoops.