Way to go, Halverson! You did indeed take a good idea and build on it. You created a school fundraiser that raised more than $10,000 for school field trips and other school events during which 70 percent of the students raised funds (with some donating just 25 cents) and every student participated. Inclusion and a shared vision is the path to building a strong community and the Halverson school community, led by their parent-teacher support group SPIRIT, has demonstrated both of those qualities.

In a state where one-third of our school-age children are overweight or obese, sadly, 84 percent of parents do not believe obesity is a concern for their children. The Halverson school community clearly feels differently. Not only do they have a vision of health for their children, they acted upon it in a big way. Rather than choosing a traditional school fundraiser, they chose instead to walk four miles and then eat a healthy snack!

They took a big risk in choosing such a bold and visionary fundraiser, but they were also rewarded in a big way. They not only raised $10,000, but they also established themselves as community leaders and advocates for a healthy school environment that will deliver the same longevity of life to our children that we are able to enjoy. Thank you to the Halverson School parents, administration, friends, grandparents, students, teachers and local businesses that supported this event. You are the Halverson Elementary School community, and you should be very proud of your accomplishments.

We are!

 

Randy Kehr

The National Vitality Center Leadership Team

Albert Lea