by James Coulter
One year after donating an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Lake Hamilton Police Department, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) donated another AED to a location where the person who recommended the previous donation works.
On Tuesday, CCF donated its 53rd AED to Poinciana Community Park for the Polk County Futball Club. Michael Teague, President of the Futball Club, had previously contacted CCF to have an AED donated to the police department last year.
“With all of the training we go through. [the] sudden collapse of players [is possible], and you hear of this happening all across the country,” Teague said. “It is very important to have an AED readily available.”
Teague has more than 100 players enrolled in the fall and spring seasons. As such, the AED will provide a much-needed service to athletes and spectators alike if such a need arises, Teague said.
“CCF Foundation and Melanie, who has dedicated her life to the cause of placing AEDS to help in saving lives, is a great organization, and you know Melanie cares,” Teague said.
Irena Neal, Vice President of the Polk County Futball Club since 2015, commends CFF for donating the AED to their facility. Their donation proves the great good their organization provides to the community, she said.
“This service [the AED] could benefit the entire community,” Neal said. “AED will benefit the community in so many ways making the community aware of the emergency precautions in place. Melanie and her team are such an asset to the community [by] bringing awareness.”
Charles Burch, Coach Coordinator/Equipment Manager, who had been with the team since the spring season of 2020, mentions how the facility is used by other sports teams in the community. Thus, the AED will benefit everyone else as much as it will benefit them, she said.
“This was actually an idea I put in Coach Teague’s head for our league,” she said. “I think this is absolutely needed and appreciated. Thank you for helping support CCF and Paying it Forward as Saving Lives Matters.”
Melanie started CCF nearly four years ago following the untimely passing of her fiancée, who had passed away from cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started her non-profit to donate AEDs throughout Polk County.
Since its inception, her organization has donated more than 50 AEDs to establishments across the county, from restaurants and bars to gyms and VFWs. To raise proceeds for more, CCF will be hosting its annual Saving Lives Matter fundraiser on Nov. 30 at Tanners Lakeside.
For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
