Small Town, Big Heart: Mendham Joins Kids Heart Challenge

MENDHAM, NJ — As part of the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge, children at Mendham Township Elementary School are learning about heart health while raising money for a worthwhile cause.

On Sept. 28, the school launched the project with a Heart Challenge Assembly. Students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade participated in exciting activities to learn about remaining strong in body and mind.

Throughout the month of October, students and faculty will be collecting donations for children with heart conditions.

The school said that their target this year is $45,000.

“We are excited to kick off the Kids Heart Challenge and to begin fundraising for this important cause,” said Briana Panetta, a physical education teacher. “To achieve this goal, we need everybody to engage. Even if you can’t donate money, focus this month on engaging in healthy activities and reaching out to family and friends for them to do the same."

Mendham Township Elementary School has taken part in the Kids Heart Challenge for seven years, raising a total of $124,834. With $42,971 raised to support the American Heart Association's scientific research and outreach programs last year, it was the best year yet, school officials said.

The work goes beyond fundraising, as students learn how to care for their hearts and minds while practicing kindness and appreciation and discovering techniques to de-stress throughout the month.

Following his on-field cardiac arrest last year, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin will also be releasing videos about the significance of CPR as part of the campaign.

“This month is about making sure Mendham Township students know the importance of taking care of their own hearts,” Panetta said. “They’ll be getting their hearts pumping.”

Top fundraisers will also be eligible to win the following additional prizes:

• Students who complete Finn's Mission will be entered into a raffle to win two Super Bowl tickets for 2025 and will take three shots with the impossible shot to win a stuffed animal warming essential oil avocado as well as to be invited to our disco party.
• The top fundraising student from the school will be the PE teacher for a day.
• The classroom from each grade level with the most students registered will win a $25 Amazon gift card for their teacher to use in their classroom.
• The classroom from each grade level with the most students who complete Finn's Mission will win a $50 Amazon gift card for their teacher to use in their classroom.
• The top fundraising class from each grade will receive a class of free time during PE.

To learn more about Mendham Township Elementary School's efforts, visit the school’s fundraising portal.