$250,383.94 raised and counting.

For 18 years, the huge hearts of Hamagrael Elementary have been collecting donations to help the hearts of others, as part of the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge.

Over the total of those years, Hamagrael Elementary has collectively raised over a quarter million dollars.

“It’s something I’m really proud of for our little school to do a quarter of a million dollars for such a good cause and to teach kids about helping others,” said Chris Berschwinger, physical education teacher at Hamagrael Elementary. “Again, it just makes you feel pretty good.”

Berschwinger leads the program at Hamagrael that started in 2005. That year, the school raised around $10,000.

2022 numbers? More than $21,000! The ability to collect donations online has helped raise more funds. But as Berschwinger will tell you, it’s about more than just raising money.

“A lot of it is curricular too and it’s talking about how to help their bodies through the American Heart Association and keep themselves healthy,” Berschwinger said. “ “It’s also working on how can I keep my heart healthy? How can I keep a healthy life? It hits all of it, Berschwinger said.

18 years running, a quarter of a million dollars and the mission stays the same.

“I can’t believe the number. We’re going to keep going.”