JACKSON CENTER — Members of the Jackson Center/UVCC FCCLA chapter had been working for several months to raise awareness of heart health throughout the county.

They began their efforts by attending local county fairs and distributing bracelets and informational flyers about how to treat your heart. Next, they held a bake sale and hot dog cookout at the Jackson Center Hardware. This was just the beginning of a large fundraising effort to generate funds for the purchase of two AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) for the village of Jackson Center park and youth soccer fields.

In addition to raising funds they continued to raise awareness of heart health and related issues at a Health Fair on Oct. 23 at Grace Lutheran Church in Jackson Center. This event was a collaborative effort with representatives and stations provided by Cosi Connects, blood pressure and cholesterol checks by JC Pharmacy and Wellness Center, independent dietitian Emma Sponseller, Wilson Health Cardiology, Grace Lutheran Church with spiritual health, MaysPT exercise demonstration, SADS foundation, Smoothie Life, massage therapy by Rachel Kerrigan, Anna Rescue, Care-a-flight, American Heart AssociationAssociation, T-shirt/wristband sale, hotdog sale and raffle. At the health fair the team was presented with a plaque for their efforts.

The group is wrapping up their efforts through the sale of shirts, “Follow the Tiger Beat,” sponsored by Transition Properties, Area Energy and Electric and CJ Plumbing. Shirts can be ordered by calling the FCCLA Adviser Vicki Kipker at JC Schools. The cost of the shirt is $10 and all proceeds will go towards the purchase of the AEDs and two weather protective cases for storing them.