Bothwell Foundation Donates More AEDs

The Venue, LLC

The Bothwell Foundation recently presented an automated external defibrillator (AED) to The Venue, LLC, an event center in downtown Sedalia. An AED is a small, lightweight device that allows individuals and first responders to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a shock to the victim's chest, ideally restarting their heart. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone and anywhere, and people between the ages of 50 and 70 are particularly at risk. To be effective, AEDs must be accessible to bystanders and first responders in as many public places as possible.

Funds to purchase the device were raised during the Bothwell Foundation’s 2021 Wear Red for Women luncheon and auction. Event proceeds allowed the foundation to purchase and place 12 AEDs in various locations in Sedalia and Pettis County where groups frequently gather.

Front row, from left, Dianne Simon, Thompson Hills Investment Corporation property manager and Wear Red Committee co-chair; Michelle Quattlebaum, The Venue, LLC owner; and Lori Wightman, Bothwell CEO and Wear Red Committee co-chair. Back row, from left, Robin Balke and Erica Petersen, Wear Red Committee members; and Lauren Thiel-Payne, Bothwell Foundation executive director. The 2022 Wear Red for Women event is Feb. 25, 2022.

Center for Human Services, The Harris Center

The Bothwell Foundation recently presented an automated external defibrillator (AED) to be placed at the Center for Human Services’ (CHS) Harris Center, a full day, full year Early Head Start program for children from birth to 36 months.

An AED is a small, lightweight device that allows individuals and first responders to treat sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a shock to the victim's chest, ideally restarting their heart. According to the American Heart Association, 9 in 10 cardiac arrest victims who receive a shock from an AED in the first minute live.

Funds to purchase the device were raised during the Bothwell Foundation’s 2021 Wear Red for Women luncheon and auction. Event proceeds allowed the foundation to purchase and place 12 AEDs in various locations in Sedalia and Pettis County where groups frequently gather.

Front row, from left, Lori Wightman, Bothwell CEO and Wear Red Committee co-chair; Susan Mergen, CHS development director; Shawn Sharp, CHS family and child development director; Cassie Cook, CHS safety coordinator; and Dianne Simon, Thompson Hills Investment Corporation property manager and Wear Red Committee co-chair. Back row, from left, Robin Balke, Wear Red Committee member; Lauren Thiel-Payne, Bothwell Foundation executive director; and Erica Petersen, Wear Red Committee member. The 2022 Wear Red for Women event is Feb. 25, 2022.