The Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation (CCF) has reached another milestone in its mission to help save lives, donating its 98th automated external defibrillator (AED) to The U Salon LLC in Winter Haven.
The AED was made possible through a “Pay It Forward” sponsorship from Dr. Tonya Bolton, owner and medical director of Emergency Fix. The placement brought together CCF volunteers, Emergency Fix staff, family, friends, and employees from The U Salon for an evening focused on cardiac awareness, CPR education, and emergency preparedness.
Dr. Bolton, a board-certified emergency physician, said her decision to support the foundation was driven by both her professional experience and a deeply personal journey.
“Supporting the Pay It Forward program was an easy decision for me. As an emergency physician, I have personally witnessed lives saved because an AED was available when seconds mattered. Having also experienced my own cardiac emergency, this mission has become even more personal.”
Dr. Bolton has been a physician since graduating from medical school in 2011. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 2007, she joined the U.S. Navy through the Health Professions Scholarship Program, which funded her medical education at Nova Southeastern University. She served as a physician in the Navy until 2019 before completing her Emergency Medicine residency through Emory University. Today, she serves as Medical Director of the Emergency Department at AdventHealth Lake Wales while also operating Emergency Fix, which she opened in Winter Haven in 2022.
She said opening Emergency Fix gave her an opportunity to reconnect with her hometown while continuing her passion for serving others.
The U Salon was selected as the recipient because of the number of people it serves every day.
“The U Salon is a wonderful local business that welcomes people of all ages every single day. Emergencies don’t only happen in hospitals—they happen in salons, restaurants, churches, gyms, schools, and workplaces. Having an AED readily available in a place where our community gathers could truly save someone’s life.”
Dr. Bolton also said she wanted her sponsorship to have an impact beyond a single location.
“When I learned about the work the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is doing, I wanted to do more than simply purchase an AED for one location. My hope was to also support their mission so they can continue placing AEDs throughout our community for those who may not otherwise be able to afford them.”
Foundation founder Melanie Brown Culpepper Beilke said she first met Dr. Bolton in 2023 after receiving a gift certificate to Emergency Fix from her children. What began as a client relationship eventually grew into a friendship built on shared values and a desire to give back to the community.
A few months ago, Dr. Bolton contacted Culpepper about sponsoring an AED as part of her annual charitable giving, choosing to support the foundation’s efforts to increase heart awareness and expand access to lifesaving equipment throughout the community.
During the presentation, Melanie shared the story behind the foundation, which she established in honor of her late fiancé, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from heart failure in July 2020. She explained how the foundation has transformed personal loss into a mission of placing AEDs throughout the community, providing CPR education, and awarding scholarships to future first responders.
The event also included a CPR and AED demonstration led by Winter Haven Fire Department paramedic Eric Shimkus, who volunteers his time to educate businesses and community members. The training also featured information on choking rescue devices, Narcan, and fire extinguishers, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for a variety of emergencies.
Dr. Bolton praised the training provided during the event.
“The demonstration was exceptional. Eric presented the information in a way that was both educational and approachable, making everyone feel comfortable and prepared.”
She added that even with her medical background, she appreciated the focus on preparing everyday people to respond in an emergency.
“Even though I am an emergency physician and have experience using AEDs in clinical settings, I appreciated how the training focused on everyday people. The message was clear: you don’t have to be a healthcare professional to save a life.”
She also emphasized the value of hands-on education.
“The hands-on CPR practice and AED demonstration gave everyone the opportunity to build confidence, ask questions, and understand exactly what to do if they ever find themselves in an emergency. That kind of education is invaluable.”
Reflecting on the foundation’s work, Dr. Bolton praised Melanie and the organization’s impact.
“Melanie was actually one of my very first clients when I opened Emergency Fix. Over the years, I have had the privilege of watching her transform unimaginable personal tragedy into an incredible mission of hope.”
“The Culpepper Cardiac Foundation is doing so much more than placing AEDs. They are educating businesses, empowering communities through CPR training, and giving people the confidence to respond during a cardiac emergency. Their impact will undoubtedly save lives.”
She also recognized the dedication of everyone involved with the organization.
“Melanie and the entire CCF team are some of the most selfless people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Their passion is contagious, and their dedication to serving our community is truly inspiring. It has been amazing to watch the foundation grow, and I have no doubt that its impact will continue to expand for years to come.”
As the foundation celebrates its 98th AED placement, Dr. Bolton hopes more businesses will consider preparing for cardiac emergencies.
“I would encourage every business owner to consider partnering with the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation. We spend so much time planning for things we hope never happen—fires, hurricanes, and other emergencies. A cardiac emergency deserves that same level of preparation.”
“You never expect someone to collapse from sudden cardiac arrest, but if it happens, having an AED nearby and people who are trained to respond can make all the difference.”
She concluded by thanking the foundation for its work and expressing her hope that the sponsorship will continue saving lives.
“I also want to sincerely thank Melanie, Eric, and the entire Culpepper Cardiac Foundation team for everything they do. They have created something truly special from a heartbreaking loss, and our community is safer because of their dedication.”
“It was an honor to support their mission. My hope is that our contribution helps place another AED exactly where it is needed most and, one day, helps save another life.”
With the addition of AED No. 98 at The U Salon, the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation continues its mission of increasing access to lifesaving equipment throughout the community while promoting CPR education and emergency preparedness. The organization continues to place AEDs each month through community support, sponsorships, fundraising events, and donations, all while honoring Michael Culpepper’s legacy with its mission: “Saving Lives Matters.”
