“A Gift of Life” for the Residents*
FROSTPROOF, Fla. (November 20, 2025) – Last night, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) reached another life-saving milestone by installing its 80th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) – this time at the Whispering Pines, a quiet residential community in Frostproof.
The placement was made possible after resident Ernie Fuller reached out to CCF founder Melanie Brown Culpepper, expressing the community’s desire to have an AED on site at their clubhouse for the protection of residents and guests.
When the CCF team arrived, they were greeted by a packed room of eager residents ready to learn. Vanessa, President of the Whispering Pines HOA (serving for 12 years), expressed her gratitude:
“I felt truly honored that our little community was chosen to receive this gift of life from the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation. Melanie and her team made it a priority, and their generosity and commitment to saving lives is inspiring. We are proud to now have this life-saving device here in Whispering Pines.”
Longtime Winter Haven Fire Department paramedic and CCF volunteer Eric Shimkus (24+ years of service) led an in-depth hands-on demonstration covering:
- AED operation
- Hands-Only CPR
- LifeVac anti-choking device
- Narcan administration for opioid overdoses
- Fire extinguisher use – included in loving memory of Jolynn, the young girl tragically lost in a vehicle fire in November 2024
“Eric was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to make sure everyone understood,” Vanessa added. “He answered every question and made us all feel confident and prepared.”
Melanie Brown Culpepper founded CCF in memory of her late fiancé Michael Culpepper, who passed away from heart failure in July 2020 at age 34. Since then, the all-volunteer organization has placed at least two AEDs every single month across Polk County while also awarding three annual scholarships to future first responders (Fire, Medical, and EMT).
“Last night reminded me why we do this,” Melanie said. “The residents of Whispering Pines welcomed us with open arms and open hearts. Seeing an entire room full of people ready to learn how to save a life – that’s what community is all about.”
Vanessa closed with a call to action for others: “I encourage everyone in Polk County to support Melanie’s mission – whether by volunteering, donating, or helping raise funds. What she is doing is a wonderful thing, and together we can all pay it forward.”
The new AED is now permanently mounted and ready for use at the Whispering Pines Clubhouse, giving residents and visitors a critical fighting chance in the first minutes of a cardiac emergency.
For more information on Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, current AED locations, or to donate: Visit CulpepperAED.com Contact Melanie Brown Culpepper at (863) 662-2694
Saving Lives Matters – because any one of us could be the closest first responder.
By Kip Kirchberg, DailyRidge.com #SavingLivesMatters #CulpeppersCardiacFoundation #AED80 #WhisperingPines #Frostproof #CommunityHeroes #PayItForward
