Fourth grader Katie Finkbiner was one of the Pembroke Elementary students that took part in Jump Rope for Heart (Credit: Fox 2 News)
TROY, Mich. (WJBK) -
Pembroke Elementary School in Troy was literally jumping on Friday morning. It's called Jump Rope for Heart and dozens of kids got in on the act.
They jumped on trampolines and pogo sticks. There was even criss-cross and doubles and push ups. From the smiles on their faces, you could tell they were all in it together.
"I'm raising money to help people with heart disease," said fourth grader Katie Finkbiner. "So it's very important for me to help because... a lot of schools don't do this very often."
This event has been taking place at Pembroke since 1996 and every year it gets bigger and better. In fact, this year students are hoping to raise more than $5,000 for the American Heart Association.
"I like that we can just kind of hang out and skip class, and it's kind of nice that we're raising money for heart disease," said fifth grader Abbie Solotorow.
But as much as this event is about lending a helping hand, it's also about being healthy, something these kids seem to love.
"They love jumping. They love the whole idea of it. Our program is really based on health and wellness," said physical education teacher Debbie O'Neil.
Monday, April 8 2013 8:40 PM EDT2013-04-09 00:40:32 GMT
Whether it's Michigan or Louisville players cutting down the nets after Monday's big game, they will be using a yellow and blue ladder specially made for the 75th anniversary of the NCAA tournament.
Whether it's Michigan or Louisville players cutting down the nets after Monday's big game, they will be using a yellow and blue ladder specially made for the 75th anniversary of the NCAA tournament.
Monday, April 8 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-04-08 23:05:46 GMT
At Michigan, tailgating is usually reserved for football games, but that is not the case when the Wolverines are playing for their first basketball title in nearly 25 years.
At Michigan, tailgating is usually reserved for football games, but that is not the case when the Wolverines are playing for their first basketball title in nearly 25 years.
Monday, April 8 2013 6:41 AM EDT2013-04-08 10:41:28 GMT
Michigan head coach John Beilein says prepping for Louisville in only 24 hours is a daunting task. But his players feel ready to bring the university its first national title since 1989.
Michigan head coach John Beilein says prepping for Louisville in only 24 hours is a daunting task. But his players feel ready to bring the university its first national title since 1989.
Thursday, April 4 2013 10:05 AM EDT2013-04-04 14:05:44 GMT
When future classes look back at this Michigan basketball team, they'll see what this 'Fearless Five' did to put basketball back on the map in Ann Arbor.
When future classes look back at this Michigan basketball team, they'll see what this 'Fearless Five' did to put basketball back on the map in Ann Arbor.
Tuesday, February 19 2013 11:19 PM EST2013-02-20 04:19:18 GMT
It was Ali-Frazier, Holmes-Norton and Leonard versus Hagler all rolled into one Tuesday night in East Lansing -- the heavyweight battle between number one and number four at the Breslin.
It was Ali-Frazier, Holmes-Norton and Leonard versus Hagler all rolled into one Tuesday night in East Lansing -- the heavyweight battle between number one and number four at the Breslin.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:17:22 GMT
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino.
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino. 42-year-old Myron Williams is on probation in Michigan for a drug paraphernalia charge. He also has quite a past in Louisiana.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:28 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:28:15 GMT
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:17 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:17:02 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-22 04:02:09 GMT
Detroit police believe a man in a surveillance photo is responsible for a kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and armed robbery on the city's east side.
Detroit police believe a man in a surveillance photo is responsible for a kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and armed robbery on the city's east side.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:59:19 GMT
Some Detroiters say their neighbor is hoarding dogs. She has been accused of doing it before. In 2011, 25 dogs were removed from her home, but we're told a case was never brought.
Some Detroiters say their neighbor is hoarding dogs. She has been accused of doing it before. In 2011, 25 dogs were removed from her home, but we're told a case was never brought.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:14:08 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:22 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:22:30 GMT
An expansive plan to merge two southeastern Michigan health systems into a single, $6.4 billion nonprofit organization with 10 hospitals has fizzled out.
An expansive plan to merge two southeastern Michigan health systems into a single, $6.4 billion nonprofit organization with 10 hospitals has fizzled out.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:46 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:46:25 GMT
Judge Wade McCree took the witness stand on Tuesday. The embattled judge had a lot to say about his affair with a woman who stood in his courtroom. His wife had something to say about it, too.
Judge Wade McCree took the witness stand on Tuesday. The embattled judge had a lot to say about his affair with a woman who stood in his courtroom. His wife had something to say about it, too.