Steps for Schools raises $48K for Idaho education

The annual Steps for Schools walking challenge generated $48,000 for Idaho schools, thanks to the efforts of state legislators and constitutional officers who participated in the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health program that promotes the importance of physical activity.

Kootenai County legislators who participated: Sen. Doug Okuniewicz and Reps. Elaine Price, Jordan Redman and Tony Wisniewski.

Steps for Schools took place in February. Sixty-six participants reached one of the step goals to earn funds for the school or school district of their choice. The 2024 Steps for Schools champions earned $500 for their school if they walked at least 145,000 steps — an average of 5,000 per day — or $1,000 if they walked at least 290,000 steps, or an average of 10,000 per day.

The schools can use funds to purchase equipment or sponsor programming that encourages children to be active. Participants are giving money to 60 different Idaho schools or school districts.

“The Steps for Schools walking challenge promotes the importance of being physically active and allows the legislators to give back to schools in their districts to promote youth health,” Kendra Witt-Doyle, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health executive director, said in a news release.

“We’re grateful that so many of Idaho’s legislators and constitutional officers made the effort to participate in Steps for Schools during the busy legislative schedule and helped a local school or school district in the process," she said.

Since the Steps for Schools walking challenge launched in 2015, more than $316,000 has been awarded to Idaho schools on behalf of participating legislators.