Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School in Sparta, N.J., raised $19,000.57 for the American Heart Association through its annual Jump Rope for Heart/Kids Heart Challenge, far surpassing this year’s goal of $13,000.
The school celebrated the milestone as students gathered for a morning assembly to watch Principal Patricia Klebez and Physical Education Teacher Ashley DiGidio get slimed — a promised reward for reaching the fundraising goal. The event brought excitement and laughter while highlighting the school community’s dedication to a meaningful cause.
For nearly two decades, Rev. Brown has supported heart health initiatives through this annual program, which was introduced in 2006 by former physical education teacher Lori Wehmeyer who is now one of the development directors of School Engagement for the American Heart Association for some of the local schools in New Jersey. Since then, the school community has raised more than $130,000 to support the American Heart Association’s mission to fight heart disease and promote healthier lives.
“The Kids Heart Challenge allows students to learn how to take care of their hearts, bodies, and minds while helping children their age who have special heart conditions,” said Ashley DiGidio, current physical education teacher and event organizer. “Through activities like ‘Finn’s Mission,’ students even learn the steps of Hands-Only CPR.”
The program transforms the school gym into an interactive and engaging space filled with activity stations, including jump rope, skip-it, and knockout competitions. Students eagerly anticipate the event each year, often asking about it months in advance.
DiGidio noted that one of her favorite aspects of the fundraiser is tracking weekly progress and seeing students grow both physically and emotionally. “It’s exciting to watch their skills improve and to see their enthusiasm for helping others,” she said.
The idea to incorporate the slime incentive came from DiGidio, inspired by encouragement from Wehmeyer over the years. After announcing the challenge during a school assembly, the community quickly rallied—reaching the $13,000 goal within a day and ultimately climbing to over $19,000 by week’s end.
Reflecting on the final total, Klebez shared, “At first, I was in disbelief. This is the largest amount we’ve ever raised. But the Rev. Brown community always rises to the occasion. From Stuff the Stocking to the recent O.S.C.A.R. collection, and now Jump Rope for Heart, we continue to show what it means to support those in need while teaching our students the importance of social justice and service.”
Klebez described the sliming experience as “warm, gooey, and a little gross—but absolutely worth it,” adding that she would gladly do it again, though future events may involve additional staff participants.
“There is not a day that goes by that I am not proud of this school community,” Klebez said. “The students, staff, and parents are shining examples of what it means to truly walk in Christ’s footsteps.”
With another successful year complete, anticipation is already building for next year’s Kids Heart Challenge. While details remain under wraps, one thing is certain: the Reverend Brown community will once again rise to meet the challenge.
