Slimed for a cause

BESSEMER - Students at Washington Elementary got to pour slime on Mark Switzer, the school's dean of instruction, on Thursday, as a reward for the kids' fundraising efforts in the Kids Heart Challenge for the American Heart Association.

The annual challenge encourages students to get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day, drink water instead of drinks with sugar, and show acts of kindness. The students set up profiles on the Kids Heart Challenge website and raised money for the American Heart Association by emailing family members and friends a link asking for donations.

The school set a goal of $1,500, but the students raised $2,353 - setting up Switzer to be slimed.

School officials attributed the success of the fundraiser in part for the opportunity to slime Switzer.

On Thursday morning, 17 students had qualified to pour a light green liquid on the dean of students as he sat on a chair in the school's parking lot, wearing a rain poncho.

The students cheered as each of the winners were called out one by one to claim their prize. McKinley Schnuner, a second grader, was the top fundraiser. She brought in $344 for the American Heart Association, earning her the right to slime Switzer first and with the most slime.

Switzer said he enjoyed the event, and would definitely do it again, despite reporting the liquid didn't taste good.

Gym teacher Linda Johanson and her husband, Greg, made the slime - a mixture consisting of flour, water and food coloring. Linda Johanson concluded the event by dumping slime on Switzer herself.

Switzer said he is considering a water balloon or dunk tank event next month to conclude the school year.