With music blaring, third-, fourth- and fifth-graders took turns jumping rope in the Episcopal Day School's gym as part of the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
"We don't care if you can jump well or not; it's about participating for a greater cause," said Carol Trammell, Episcopal Day School's athletic director. "This is also something they can do for the rest of their life. It's a part of lifetime fitness skills."
For nearly a month, the 138 participants prepared for Friday's event by learning more about heart disease, the effects on children and how the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser works.
For the first time in the 20 years, the school has participated in the fundraiser, a challenge was presented by the youngest participants.
"This year, our third-graders challenged the fourth-and fifth-graders. They said that they were going to raise more money than the fourth and fifth grades combined," Ms. Trammell said. "It was nice, friendly competition, and it really got the students excited about participating."
Although the results were unofficial Friday, the third grade might have won the challenge. Third-grader Jake Forgay raised the most money this year -- $1,100.
"I went door-to-door," he said. "I also went to my dad's best friend's office, and I told him what I was raising money for and asked him to donate."
B. John Memar, his dad's best friend and president and CEO of Medac Inc., presented him with a $1,000 check.
"He was saying that he had never seen so many zeros on a check before," said Jake's mother, Rochelle Forgay.
Next year, Jake plans to raise $3,000 for the fundraiser. "I'm going to go to more houses, and to my dad's best friend again."
The school has raised $110,000 since it began supporting the program in 1988.
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
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