POLSON - When Molly Sitter was asked why she stayed after school to jump rope she answered, "To earn money to help people that have heart problems."

Sitter was just one of 75 Linderman Elementary school students who participated in this year's Jump Rope For Heart. The students rotated through different stations that included jump ropes, hula hoops and snacks.

As part of the preparations, the reason for having the event is explained to the second through fourth grade students.

"I hope they understand," Linderman nurse Millie Nesladek said. "They seemed to really like it. Every kid seems to come back. They enjoy getting their names drawn for prizes."

The students raised $4489 for the American Heart Association and spent an hour and a half in the gym jumping rope. The proceeds help fund research and education to prevent heart disease on a national scale.

Second-grader Alyssa Bedari raked in the most with $400. Linderman has been hosting the fundraiser for 15 years.

The jumpers have plenty of incentive to raise money as their names are entered into a drawing for prizes donated by local businesses.

"There were quite a few wonderful prizes," Nesladek said.

The AHA also sends prizes to the participants based on how much each individual raises. For example, raising $5 will earn them a water bottle. Raising $15 will get a jump rope and a water bottle.

The students are prepared prior to the event during physical education class. Teacher Micky Stanley said she gave a 15-minute presentation, including a DVD, to show what Jump Rope For Heart is all about.

"We talk about what it is and what happens," she said.

Stanley plans her jump rope unit around the time of the event and teaches different tricks with jump ropes and songs to sing while jumping.

"A lot of those activities get them excited," Stanley said. "We want it to be something special."

Eight-year-old Jayden Mooney said she did the event last year and her favorite part is jump roping.

"It's what I'm doing right now," she said.

A favorite activity of many participants was the mouse trap. One person holds each end of a long rope and both swing it around as the mice try to run through without getting caught.

"It's just really fun," fourth-grader Russell Smith said.