The Lake Wales VFW Received an AED. They Returned the Favor by Donating an AED to Past Time Lounge.
by James Coulter
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post in Lake Wales had received an automated external defibrillator (AED). They have since returned the favor by donating an AED to another local establishment, and one that has assisted them many times before.
Last Tuesday, Past Time Lounge in Winter Haven received an AED donated by Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF), a local non-profit organization dedicated to promoting “heart health awareness.”
The AED was donated thanks in part to VFW Post 2420 Lake Wales, which decided to help “pay it forward” after having previously received an AED themselves several months ago from VFW Post 4289 Winter Haven.
Daniel Murphy, Auxiliary President of the Lake Wales VFW, chose the Past Time Lounge as the AED recipient because the bar has supported their post and other VFW posts.
“I was very happy that the Past Time Lounge was chosen,” Murphy said. “They have supported [the VFW] for years from helping with our golf outings (as a hole sponsor) to ordering Wednesday lunches for their customers from our kitchen and more.”
Cindy Shaw, the owner of the Past Time Lounge since 2016, was grateful for having the AED donated and installed at her establishment, especially since the Winter Haven VFW helped donate it.
“We are now equipped to respond to a medical emergency and possibly save someone’s life,” Shaw said. “I would like to thank everyone involved in providing this life-saving equipment and would encourage anyone who wishes to support a well-deserving cause [to] please consider CCF.”
Phil Lefstead, a friend of the VFW, helped set up the meeting to have the AED donated at Past Time Lounge. He was pleased with how CCF has dedicated itself to supporting such a good cause in the community.
“I think it’s a cool concept where they help the next organization get an AED,” Lefstead said. “[They are] great for giving her time and effort to help the community help save a life. And how everyone is on board with helping the effort.”
Melanie Brown Culpepper started CCF nearly four years ago following the untimely passing of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who had suffered cardiac arrest.
Not wanting anyone to suffer a similar fate, Melanie started CCF to help raise proceeds to donate and install AEDs to local businesses and other establishments.
Since then, her organization has donated more than 50 AEDs across Polk County at places like Tanner’s Lakeside, Old Man Frank’s, and Caribbean Bay.
“We all may be the closest first responder,” she explained. “It could be your friend, your own family, or even YOU that you’re saving as Saving Lives Matter.”
CFF will be hosting its annual fundraiser, Saving Lives Matter, at Tanner’s Lakeside on Sat. Oct. 12. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
