OSHKOSH (NBC 26) — Grace Lutheran Church & School in Oshkosh is raising money for the American Heart Association through the Kids Heart Challenge. Kris Bolda's classroom has 15 of the school's 160 students participating in the fundraiser.
"They offer to schools throughout the country, that if they want to participate they can do challenges, like be kind, physical challenges, money raising challenges, just to get kids aware that there are people and children who need new hearts," said Bolda.
Their goal for this year was $8,000, but they've well exceeded that. They're now close to $10,000, and a big part of that is because of one second-grader, Cooper McKnight.
Cooper, alone, has raised a little over $1,400, and counting, but he wanted to do more than just get the donations.
"We're trying to get a specific goal this time by getting money from every single state," said Cooper.
He only has 10 states left: Arkansas, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, South Carolina, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Vermont.
Part of Cooper's success is the video he made that his mom posted on Facebook.
But Bolda explains it's not just an opportunity to learn to help others and raise funds, but also a reminder to kids of the importance of physical activity. As a thank you for the kids hard work, they'll get the best kind of reward on February 3.
"Every grade has about 45 minutes that goes through like an exercise station," said Bolda. "So, either they'll be shooting hoops or jumping rope or doing a scooter board activity. There’s also a photo shoot with the mascot."
And the kids deserve it. Bolda said every year they seem to raise more and more since they partnered with the program 12 years ago.
"This is a wonderful way for us to share God's love in our community, by raising money and then helping other people," said Bolda.
To donate to Cooper's fundraiser before February 3, click here. To donate anytime, head to heart.org/khc.
