Lake Wales, FL – May 12, 2025 – Hillcrest Elementary School, part of the Lake Wales Charter Schools system, has received a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through a generous donation from Kirchberg, LLC and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation. This critical piece of emergency medical equipment enhances the school’s ability to respond swiftly to cardiac emergencies, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
Kirchberg, LLC, a Winter Haven-based, family-owned business led by Kip and Jody Kirchberg, operates Kirchberg Brand, an online retail store offering handcrafted Amish furniture; Daily Ridge, an online news and media website covering Central Florida; and Apple Tree Realty Group, a specialized real estate company providing world-class service to buyers and sellers. The Kirchberg family is actively involved in nonprofits such as Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, Trade Jobs Matter, and Rockin’ on the Chain. This donation reflects Kirchberg, LLC’s commitment to community wellness and supporting local causes.
The AED was donated through Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a Polk County nonprofit founded by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in memory of her late fiancé, Michael Culpepper, who tragically passed away from cardiac arrest in 2020. Motivated by this personal loss, Melanie established the foundation in July to increase access to life-saving AEDs. Since its inception, the foundation has placed 65 AEDs in schools, businesses, and community centers across Polk County, with plans to expand further through community support and fundraising events like the annual “Saving Lives Matters” in November. The foundation also provides AED training and scholarships for aspiring first responders.
Melanie emphasized the critical role of defibrillators, stating, “After losing Michael, I realized how vital immediate access to AEDs can be. Our mission is to ensure no community lacks this life-saving equipment, and we rely on the generosity of partners like Kirchberg, LLC and events like ‘Saving Lives Matters’ to keep pushing forward.”
Eric Shimkus, a representative of the foundation, highlighted the importance of AEDs in public spaces, noting their ease of use and the legal protections provided by the Good Samaritan law, which shields users from lawsuits when providing emergency aid. He also outlined the steps for using an AED alongside CPR and noted that businesses and schools with AEDs may qualify for insurance discounts, further incentivizing their adoption.
“With so many family and community activities on our campus, this AED gives us greater peace of mind,” said Chenia Thate, Assistant Principal at Hillcrest Elementary. “We’re deeply grateful for this life-saving gift.”
Principal Rebecca Thomas added, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kirchberg, LLC and Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation for their generosity. This AED strengthens our ability to keep our school community safe.”
Kip Kirchberg, Founder of Kirchberg, LLC and Co-Founder of The Daily Ridge, emphasized the value of community partnerships. “Supporting initiatives like this aligns with our mission to make a meaningful impact in the places we call home,” he said.
Melanie stressed the need for continued community involvement, saying, “Every AED we place is a step toward a safer community, but we can’t do it alone. We need ongoing support to keep saving lives.”
For more information about Kirchberg, LLC, visit kirchbergllc.com. To learn about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, its mission, or how to support their work, visit their Facebook page.
