Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) has officially placed its 89th AED, this time at Jimmy Blackwell Framing LLC—marking another important step in making lifesaving equipment more accessible throughout the community.
Jimmy Blackwell Framing, a company with 29 years of experience in commercial construction, continues to build more than just structures. With three generations actively involved—including Jimmy’s daughter, Jessica Blackwell Kelton, and grandson Tyler Kelton, a general contractor—the business has built a reputation centered on hard work, family values, and community support. The company employs 20 team members and regularly collaborates with subcontractors and general contractors across a wide range of projects.
Jessica Kelton, who serves as Treasurer and has been with the company for 29 years, played a key role in bringing the AED to their location.
She explained the company’s motivation, stating, “Because of the amount of traffic we have coming in and out of our office and warehouses, including employees, subcontractors, and visitors, we felt it was important to have an AED on site for the safety of everyone.”
Jessica also highlighted her long-standing connection to Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke and the foundation, adding, “I have known Melanie for more than 25 years and have followed her story and the incredible work she has done through Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation… we knew she was exactly the right person to contact regarding the cost, logistics, and process of purchasing and setting one up.”
Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke shared her appreciation for the company and its leadership, emphasizing the character of owner Jimmy Blackwell. She described him as someone she has always looked up to—not just as a business owner, but as a genuine friend who has supported many people over the years. His decision to purchase an AED for the company reflects his deep care for his employees, family, and community.
Jessica expressed gratitude for the foundation’s work, saying, “We truly appreciate everything Melanie and the CCF team are doing to help make lifesaving equipment more accessible in our community. Their dedication to paying it forward and helping protect lives is inspiring, and we are grateful for their support and guidance throughout this process.”
As part of the placement, staff also received hands-on training. Jessica noted, “The training was excellent, and Eric did a wonderful job demonstrating how to properly use the AED. He also took the time to show several members of our staff other important lifesaving tools and techniques they may need to implement should the need ever arise. The demonstration was clear, informative, and very reassuring.”
The addition of AED #89 provides peace of mind for everyone who enters the facility. Jessica summed it up best: “We are proud to support Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation and its mission because saving lives truly matters. Having this AED on site gives us peace of mind and helps ensure we are better prepared in the event of an emergency.”
With each new placement, Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation continues its mission to equip businesses and communities with the tools needed to save lives—one AED at a time.
For more information about CCF, visit https://culpepperaed.com
