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Cute tots rule Heidi’s Musical Gymnastics fundraiser
Ashley Peterson - Thu, Dec, 17, 2009
Heidi’s Musical Gymnastics held a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital after a student of her’s began treatment there.
St. Jude researches and treats childhood illnesses. It is known for discovering new ways to treat cancer and other catastrophic diseases. They help children without regard for a family’s ability to pay.
Heidi’s Gym, 149 West End Ave. in Farragut, specializes in helping young children learn balance and coordination skills through the use of Heidi’s musical gym equipment.
This is the second fundraiser Heidi De La Rocha, owner of the gymnastics studio, has held for St. Jude in the last three years. She chose St. Jude because it helps children, a cause that hits close to home for her.
A student of hers received treatment last winter and she decided on St. Jude again.
“Our fundraiser was a huge success. We raised $1,319 for the worthy cause,” De La Rocha said.
“During these rather difficult economic times, we had generous [parent] sponsors who enabled us to cross the $1,000 dollar threshold,” she added.
Normal Saturday classes were cancelled. Parents donated to St. Jude, Saturday, Nov. 7. She had three sets of classes with 32 students attending overall.
Helping children for more than 10 years, Heidi’s made no profit from Saturday’s sessions. In its place, she allowed parents to be their child’s sponsors.
Parents chose various “flat fees” to give to St. Jude while their children enjoyed the gym equipment and De La Rocha assisted the children with balance.
Eric Hanson’s daughter inspired this year’s fundraiser. He and his wife, Andrea, currently have two children attending weekly. “They seem focused on their coordination, balance and agility,” he said. “It has helped Isabelle [after leaving St. Jude] with her physical therapy.”
“I love kids and try to help as much as I can. I wanted to show support for Isabelle. I did this for her,” De La Rocha said.
De La Rocha’s daughter, Savannah, also works with children, especially those who are developmentally challenged.
All of De La Rocha’s gymnastics equipment is hand-crafted to suit the needs of her students at different developmental stages.
Age ranges for her students are 18 months to 11 years.
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