By James Coulter
The Lake Wales Moose Lodge received an AED. Now they want to “pay it forward” with a fundraiser to donate their own AED.
The Lake Wales Moose Lodge received an automated external defibrillator (AED), which was donated and installed by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) on Monday evening.
Not only was this AED the 45th to be donated by CCF, but it was also the first AED donated with proceeds raised through Bingo For A Cause by Tanners Lakeside.
Now, Lake Wales Moose Lodge wishes to return the favor by hosting a fundraiser so that they can “pay it forward” and donate their own AED through CCF.
Melanie Brown Culpepper Bielke, CCF founder, mentioned on a Facebook post that the Moose Lodge’s administrator, Duane Anderson, had reached out to her in November requesting an AED for his organization’s facility.
“Their location had a lot of veterans that go there, and [it] would be a great place for one [an AED] to be placed at in case of an emergency,” Melanie wrote.
Anderson was so humbled to have received an AED through CCF that he announced that the Lake Wales Moose Lodge would host a fundraiser to raise proceeds for an AED donation.
The fundraiser is planned for Jan. 18 at the lodge. The event will include barbecue ribs and pulled pork dinners, raffles, 50/50 drives, and live music.
“It feels humbling that Tanners is giving back to the community to save lives at other places,” Anderson said. “Melanie is making a difference and saving lives.”
Mike Boland, Vice President of the Lake Wales Moose Lodge, likewise feels grateful for the donation and wishes to help return the favor through their own fundraiser.
“This was a generous gesture,” he said. “[CCF is a] wonderful project you’ve started. You [Melanie] and your team should be very proud. Thank you so much.”
Melanie started CCF four years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée Michael Culpepper, who passed away from cardiac arrest.
Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, Melanie started CCF to raise proceeds to donate and install AEDs across Polk County.
Tanner’s Lakeside previously received an AED through CCF. Wanting to return the favor, they started hosting Bingo For a Cause to raise proceeds to donate an AED.
Kami Rickert hosts the weekly bingo. She is also CPR and first aid certified through the American Red Cross. As such, she understands the importance that first aid plays in emergencies.
“Being an instructor on the water I’ve always felt it important to be able to help people myself while calling for support,” she said. “I think placing the AEDs in locations around our communities is super important.”
Allison Gay, the manager at Tanners Lakeside, is proud to be among the many local business owners striving to raise proceeds to install essential emergency devices in their community.
“It is wonderful how these small businesses have been coming together to bring this very important medical device to customers and the community,” she said. “We hope they are never in need of an AED, however, it is available if needed.”
To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper/
