Miss Auburndale Softball has received AED number 85 from the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, providing a critical life-saving resource for athletes, families, and visitors at the league’s facility.
The organization hosts a wide range of softball activities throughout the year, including youth recreation leagues, tournaments, and events that attract players and spectators of all ages. League leadership identified the need for an automated external defibrillator to ensure a higher level of safety during practices, games, and community events.
Jason Callaway, Vice President of Miss Auburndale Softball and a coach within the league, said his background in emergency response played a major role in pursuing the donation.
“Through my background as a member of an Emergency Response Team with my employer, Mosaic, and my experience working in remote locations, I have learned firsthand that when an emergency occurs, time is never on our side.”
Callaway also noted that his personal connection to the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation motivated him to take action.
“After personally knowing Michael and Melanie, reaching out to the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation became a priority for me, with the goal of helping prevent another family from facing a similar situation.”
He said the AED donation brings reassurance to everyone who uses the facility.
“The opportunity to have an AED donated by the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is truly a blessing and provides invaluable peace of mind should it ever be needed.”
Callaway added that the foundation’s training and preparation efforts left a strong impression.
“Witnessing the dedication of the CCF members and how well-prepared they were was truly impressive.”
The Culpepper Cardiac Foundation was founded by Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke in memory of her late fiancé, Michael Culpepper, who died from heart failure in July 2020. What began as a deeply personal path toward healing has since grown into a far-reaching community effort focused on awareness, education, and life-saving impact.
Kelly Pietrodangelo, a board member and coach with Miss Auburndale Softball, also played a role in connecting the league with the foundation. With more than a decade of experience in Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services, she recognized the importance of having an AED readily available.
“Shortly after joining Miss Auburndale Softball, I reached out to the Foundation after realizing there was no AED on our premises.”
She expressed gratitude for the foundation’s generosity and the impact the donation will have on the community.
“I am truly honored that the Culpepper Foundation selected our organization as the recipient of an AED.”
Pietrodangelo said the AED will serve not only league families but also the many visitors who come to the complex for tournaments and adult leagues throughout the year.
“This generous and selfless donation will benefit not only our players and their families, but also the hundreds of visitors who utilize our complex each year through travel tournaments and adult leagues.”
Miss Auburndale Softball is led by President Terry Harris, who has served in that role for 30 years. League officials say the addition of AED number 85 reinforces their commitment to safety and preparedness while continuing to provide a positive environment for players, families, and the broader community.
To learn more about Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, visit http://CulpepperAED.com
