LAKELAND, Fla. – A powerful spirit of purpose and remembrance came together at Fletcher Park on Lake Bonny on Saturday, where community leaders, coaches, and nonprofit partners gathered to dedicate the park’s newest Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The installation of AED #79 held deep meaning for Dr. Evan Chambers, founder and CEO of the EMC L.O.V.E. Foundation, whose work continues to honor the legacy of his son, Evan Michael Chambers.

Honoring Evan Michael Chambers Through Action

Dr. Chambers established the EMC L.O.V.E. Foundation in 2016 after the sudden passing of his son from an undiagnosed heart condition. Through baseball clinics, tournaments, mentorship, and community outreach, the foundation helps young athletes build skills, character, and confidence — all while keeping Evan’s love of the sport alive.

The AED dedication was especially significant because it was placed on a field Evan knew well.

“Evan spent countless hours on that field … in the locker room … and his DNA is a part of that place,” Dr. Chambers shared. “To present this gift to the athletes at Fletcher Park is a great honor, and we know it will help spread awareness of the great work being done in our community.”

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Purpose

This AED was donated by the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation (CCF) and installed in partnership with the EMC L.O.V.E. Foundation and R2Cares, organizations that share a united mission of preventing cardiac deaths and expanding access to lifesaving equipment across Polk County.

Ronnie Richardson, a Tampa Bay Rays coach, former MLB player, and Polk County native (Lake Region High School/UCF), explained why R2Cares eagerly joined the effort:

“I grew up playing ball with Melanie’s sons, and our families go way back. When she reached out, it was an immediate yes. The Love Foundation’s work with youth baseball and Dr. Chambers’ commitment to Evan’s legacy align perfectly with our mission at R2Cares to strengthen minds and empower communities. Collaboration is everything.”

A Fitting Tribute on Evan’s Field

The placement took place during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Evan’s Legacy Baseball Classic Championship Game Day, a fitting tribute on the very field that now bears Evan’s name.

“This is about more than equipment – it’s about being prepared and protecting the lives of the young athletes, coaches, and families who play here,” said Melanie Brown Culpepper, founder of CCF. “Having an AED on site gives everyone a fighting chance in those critical first minutes of a cardiac emergency.”

The Coaches Who Will Use It Most

For local coaches who spend every day on the field with youth athletes, the donation is deeply meaningful.

Frank Taveras, JV Coach at Lake Bonny Fletcher Field for the past two years, expressed how impactful the donation is for his players and staff.

“We are thankful to have received this lifesaving AED and to have it available at our park,” Taveras said. “Thank you to the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, R2Cares, and the Chambers family for making this a reality for us.”

When asked about CCF and its team, he added:
“We appreciate Melanie and the CCF for everything they do to make things like this possible. Thank you for supporting CCF, as saving lives truly matters.”

A Shared Message: Every Second Counts

The AED was dedicated in memory of Evan Michael Chambers and Michael Culpepper, honoring both families’ journeys and their shared commitment to saving lives. The ceremony also included a demonstration by certified AED/CPR instructors, reinforcing how critical quick action can be during cardiac emergencies.

Leading Through Love, Resilience, and Community

Dr. Chambers closed the ceremony with a message that resonated across the field.

“Being prepared, uniting around service — that’s what honors Evan’s life,” Dr. Chambers said. “Love and community are still the heartbeat of Polk County.”

Foundation Impact & Contact Information

Since its founding, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation has placed at least two AEDs every month throughout Polk County and awards three annual scholarships to aspiring first responders (Fire, Medical, and EMT fields). The foundation relies entirely on community events, sponsors, and donations to continue its goal of “a defibrillator on every city block.”

For more information or to support the partnering organizations:

• Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation: CulpepperAED.com
• R2Cares: R2Cares.org
• The Evan Michael Chambers LOVE Foundation: Contact through event organizers

As Ronnie Richardson closed the ceremony:

“When we turn pain into purpose and unite around service, we prove that love and community are still the heartbeat of Polk County.”

SavingLivesMatters #AEDsSaveLives #R2Cares #EMCLoveFoundation #CulpeppersCardiacFoundation #FoundationsSupportingFoundations #EvanChambersLegacy #PolkProud

Contact: Melanie Brown Culpepper – (863) 662-2694
DailyRidge.com — Official Media Sponsor of Culpepper Cardiac