Giving back has always been a strong part of Missouri AHPERD (MOAHPERD) and its members because as teachers, we give back every day and we know the impact a little extra care can make.
This giving season, MOAHPERD has dedicated its support to the SHAPE America Big Feats Virtual Race.
As MOAHPERD’s special projects coordinator for many years, I knew the virtual race was a service project that would make a difference in communities across the country and for my fellow HPE teachers.
That’s why I developed a web page to serve as the primary site for MOAHPERD members to launch their own fundraising campaigns for the Big Feats Virtual Race. In less than a week we were able to raise more than $1,000!
Surpassing a ‘Convention Challenge’
During the 2018 MOAHPERD Convention, we made a concerted effort to raise member awareness and involvement in this virtual race project. We were fortunate to have SHAPE America CEO Stephanie Morris as the main presenter at our Opening General Session. Her explanation of the Big Feats Virtual Race and its mission was informative and motivating.
I also addressed attendees during the Opening General Session and issued a challenge to members to raise a minimum of $500 during the convention. That goal was reached and surpassed, triggering a matching grant challenge that was fulfilled by MOAHPERD Executive Director Tom Loughrey.
The concept of giving back, or as we said, “playing it forward,” was clear and resonated with MOAHPERD members. Through the convention fundraising and subsequent fund-raising efforts carried out by members in their communities, we are demonstrating support for less fortunate schools, helping to provide them with necessary materials to use in conducting quality programs in physical education.
The spirit of equity and opportunity is basic to the MOAHPERD mission — and this group has come together in such a big way to raise funds for #BigFeats.
As SHAPE America President Judy LoBianco says: “As a profession, we are only as strong as our most disadvantaged schools, programs and students. We must lift each other up in every way possible whenever we can.”
This November 27, on #GivingTuesday, we hope you will to participate in the SHAPE America Big Feats Virtual Race and help us build a better future for more than 5,000 students. Join the MOVEment!
Kristi Bieri
Kristi Bieri is a physical education teacher at Odessa Upper Elementary School in Odessa, MO, and the Missouri AHPERD Special Projects Coordinator.
