The SON team raised approximately $3,281.55 for the American Heart Association by participating in the American Heart Association Heart Walk on October 26. More than 2,000 individuals attended the event, and UMMC had the biggest team representation. Team SON was well represented and were one of the top five fund-raising teams for UMMC.

 

In order to raise the money for the Heart Walk, the SON held the 1st Annual Change Bandit fundraising activity at the School of Nursing .  The event was fun and easy, but a powerful grassroots effort to raise money to support the American Heart Association Heart Walk.

 

Zonzie McLaurin, Clinical Instructor for the School of Nursing and Community Outreach Director for the National Children’s Study at UMMC is the team captain for the American Heart Association Heart Walk at the SON.  She along with Dr. Audwin Fletcher, Professor School of Nursing and Christina Vanderloo, Director of Student Affairs for the School of Nursing “seized" loose change, dollars and checks from faculty, staff, and students.

 

The Change Bandit activity took place over the course of two consecutive days, and gave everyone a chance to raise money and support the cause.  McLaurin said “this kind of grassroots effort reminds all of us that every little bit counts, and together we can make a big difference in fighting heart disease, stroke and raising awareness of these diseases.  The focus is not the money, but what the money can do”

 

Vanderloo’s goal for this event was to get the students involved and make it a friendly competition to see which class had the most change, as well as breaking the monotony by surprising them in class. 

 

Dr. Fletcher supported and encouraged the event by being the “Chief Bandit.” His enormous enthusiasm and spirit made the event a great success!  “We are very fortunate for the tremendous support from faculty, staff and students.  Its activities like this, where we can all give back and have fun while doing so.”

 

The School of Nursing plans to make this an ongoing activity to support this cause and others.

Photos from the American Heart Association Heart Walk

 

Photos from the 1st Annual Change Bandit Fundraiser