The Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven Receives 40th AED Donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation
by James Coulter
As a former veteran and emergency medical technician (EMT), Tom Westberry knows how vital it is to respond to a person suffering cardiac arrest or any other similar medical emergency.
So, as the President of the Board of Directors at The Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven, he appreciates having an automated external defibrillator (AED) donated to his facility.
“I feel blessed to be given this life-saving device for our future patrons,” he said. “As a former veteran and EMT. The first hour or Golden Hour is crucial in saving someone’s life. This device can be the difference between life and death.”
The Ritz Theatre was the proud recipient of the 40th AED donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to assisting local emergency responders and donating AEDs across the county.
“The Ritz Theatre is blessed to be given the 40th unit,” Westberry said. “The Ritz Theatre is downtown’s stage. This building is almost 100 years old and has brought joy to so many over the years. Winter Haven is lucky to have such a magical place downtown.”
Bea Hancock, who has been on the board for four years, and her family have a rich history with the Ritz Theatre. Her uncle, Keith Smith, once performed there in high school in the 1950s.She appreciates the historic theatre receiving such a crucial emergency medical device.
“I feel we’re very fortunate to have received an AED by the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation,” she said. “What a worthwhile and beneficial mission Melanie and the CCF have taken on, offering the chance to prolong life in a variety of places around central Florida.“
Melanie Brown Culpepper started her organization three years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who had passed away from cardiac arrest. Not wanting anyone else to suffer a similar fate, she started her foundation. She has since donated 40 AEDs to businesses and establishments across the county.
“It was my honor to place our 40th one here at The Ritz Theatre as it is downtown’s stage,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Winter Haven is lucky to have such a magical place downtown.”
To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit their website at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper