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WFHA’s Hoops for Heart Fundraiser a Slam Dunk

A recent effort by Westchester Fairfield Hebrew Academy to raise money for the American Heart Association was a slam dunk for the school's students.

The student body raised almost $3,000 for Hoops For Heart, a fundraiser that culminates in a fun-filled event where the young athletes got to show off their basketball skills.

"It brought our school together as a community to raise awareness for an important health issue," said Coach Brian Rosa. "The kids showed a tremendous amount of school spirit."

The money raised supports heart and stroke research, as well as educational programs. At the same time, Hoops for Heart encourages children to learn more about the disease and become physically active, said Rosa, adding that this is WFHA's second year participating in the event.

After three weeks collecting donations, the students honored those contributions by taking to the basketball court. More than 60 students gathered in the gymnasium to rotate through stations that challenged their dribbling, passing and shooting skills. They also competed in a knockout tournament and a shootout competition.

The aspiring basketball stars were also treated to a special visitor - BB, the mascot of the Bridgeport Bluefish.

"When I found out how much money we raised, I thought ‘Yikes!'" said fifth-grader Michael Moerdler-Green. "I would like to raise even more money next year."

"It made me feel good to know I helped raise money for research," said fifth-grader Meira Gilbert. "I know it's really important to help other people. And it was fun because Coach Brian set up a lot of fun activities for us."

Hoops for Heart is just one of the school-wide athletic events Rosa has organized for the students this year. On Thanksgiving Day, Rosa coordinated WFHA's first annual Turkey Trot, open to all students and their families.

Early Thanksgiving morning, before anyone was too stuffed from their feasts, 22 students and their families gathered for a 1.86-mile run.

"The Turkey Trot really encourages family fitness, a sense of community, and it is a great way to shed a few calories before the big Thanksgiving meal," Rosa said.

The Turkey Trot came on the heels of an exciting fall soccer season, which had WFHA competing against schools throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties.

School spirit soared as parents, teachers and fellow students spent many autumn afternoons cheering on the sidelines for the WFHA Hawks. The school finished the season with four wins and one tie game.

There will be no time outs for WFHA's athletes, who are hard at work preparing for what promises to be an exciting winter basketball season, Rosa said.