Posted January 27, 2025
Horizon Elementary School already has reached its goal for this year’s American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge, thanks to the efforts of fourth-grader Abel Fouts.
The campaign officially begins in February and runs through March 7, but Abel got a jump start and as of this morning already has raised $4,018, surpassing the school goal of $4,000 singlehandedly.
Abel, who’s already upped his personal goal from $2,500 to $4,000 to $5,000, said he’s so passionate about this effort because he likes helping people.
He has been raising donations since early November, using lemonade stands, candy sales, and a bucket at craft fairs. He collected $810 on a recent Saturday at the Plymouth Piggly Wiggly, and plans to be at the southside Sheboygan Piggly Wiggly from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday Feb. 1.
Abel has been a big player in the annual effort for the past three years, raising $1,184 in 2022, $1,150 in 2023, and $1,350 in 2024. This year’s figures push him over $7,700 so far.
The top Horizon fundraiser gets to rename the school gym for the year. For the past year, Abel’s classmates played in the Abel’s Fortnite Gym – which is extra appropriate since his favorite thing about school is gym.
This year, however, he plans instead to honor Principal Chris Helmer, who died Aug. 11 after a two-year battle with cancer.
“Abel has been passionate about this event and raising donations to help others,” said Jackie Weir, development director of school engagement for the American Heart Association. “I hope more students get involved in the program.”
Kids Heart Challenge is a service-learning program through the American Heart Association that teaches students how to keep their hearts, minds, and bodies healthy and provides an opportunity to help others – all while having fun! Through Kids Heart Challenge, students and families also can learn hands-only CPR and the warning signs of stroke.
To raise money for the Kids Heart Challenge, students solicit online donations. Horizon’s campaign will start in February and conclude March 7. Fairview and Parkview also are participating; their efforts have begun and conclude in February.
February is American Heart Month, focusing attention on the fact that cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 killer of Americans. The American Heart Association’s mission is to build a world of longer, healthier lives.
Learn more:
• Visit the Horizon Kids Heart Challenge fundraising website.
• Visit the Fairview Kids Heart Challenge fundraising website.
• Visit the Parkview Kids Heart Challenge fundraising website.
• Explore the Community Engagement section of our interactive, award-winning District Report Card to learn more about how our students give back to the community.
Abel Fouts hopes to rename the Horizon Elementary School gym in memory of principal Principal Chris Helmer.
