After raising more than $8,000 for the American Heart Association, students and staff at Willow Brook Elementary played a basketball game to celebrate the success of the fundraiser. 

Paraprofessional Jennifer Haub has organized the Kids Heart Challenge for the past 17 years and said the school raised the most money and had the most participants ever this year.

“We officially raised $8,329.51 and had 110 students register.”

In addition to incentive prizes given by the American Heart Association, Haub offers school prizes to the students that participate in the fundraiser.

“The top 10 students in kindergarten, first and second grade get a VIP seat to the basketball game and the top 10 students in third, fourth and fifth grades get to play in it,” Haub said. “The top overall student gets a banner with their name that hangs over the gym for the year.” 

This year, kindergartener Osciea Whatley raised over $2,000 and was recognized for her efforts during the pre-game ceremony. 

Money raised also benefits the Willow Brook physical education department allowing it to purchase new equipment.