HeartSaver Luncheon Raises More Than $100,000 to Put Life-Saving AEDs into the Community

HeartSaver’s annual luncheon, themed “Game On for Hearts,” raised more than $100,000 to support the placement of life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the Tri-State.

HeartSaver's annual luncheon, themed "Game On for Hearts," raised more than $100,000 to support the placement of life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the Tri-State.

With each AED costing $1,675, funds raised at the event will help place nearly 60 AEDs into schools, churches, first responder organizations and other community spaces where they can mean the difference between life and death.

During the luncheon, HeartSaver also celebrated a major milestone: more than 1,000 AEDs placed in the community over the 12 years since the program began.

HeartSaver is a committee of community volunteers with a mission to reduce sudden cardiac death through the placement of AEDs across the Tri-State. Funds raised by HeartSaver are administered by the Deaconess Foundation, whose continued support helps make the program possible.

"Sudden cardiac arrest strikes without warning, and it doesn't discriminate," said Penny Goshert, member of the HeartSaver committee. "The success of this year's luncheon means more AEDs where they're needed most — and that means more lives saved. Every AED we place gives someone another chance."

The event featured a variety of interactive and playful activities inspired by board games, game shows and video games, with local celebrities appearing as special guests.

A powerful highlight of the program was a keynote address from Laura Thompson, who shared her family's personal story of survival after her husband, Derek, experienced sudden cardiac arrest.

"Because there was an AED, my husband is here today," Thompson said. "Because of an AED, our kids still have their dad. An AED isn't just a piece of equipment — it's a future, it's more time, it's everything."

AEDs are designed to be used by anyone, with no special medical training required, and are proven to save lives when used quickly during cardiac emergencies. HeartSaver works with community organizations to both place AEDs and educate the public on their use.

"We know AEDs save lives," Goshert said. "And we are confident the AEDs placed through HeartSaver have already and will continue to save lives. Those lives could be someone you know. It could be someone you love. It could even be your own."

For more information about HeartSaver or to support its mission, visit www.deaconess.com/heartsaver to donate today.