DP Foundation Donates Life-Saving AED Equipment to Lake Chelan Community Center

Lake Chelan Community Center Receives Public Access Defibrillator
Life-saving safety equipment is a very welcome addition.

CHELAN, Washington — The Lake Chelan Community Center received a critical public safety enhancement through the generous donation of the DP Foundation's Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The presentation ceremony marked an essential collaboration between the DP Foundation, In the Nick of Time Foundation, Lake Chelan Health, and the Community Center to improve emergency response capabilities in a facility that serves residents of all ages.

The state-of-the-art AED system was officially presented to Maribel Cruz, Executive Director of the Lake Chelan Community Center, during a ceremony attended by representatives from all four organizations. Ray Eickmeyer, Director of Emergency Medical Services at Lake Chelan Health, was also present to announce that Lake Chelan Health will provide comprehensive AED training to ensure Community Center staff and interested community members are adequately prepared to use the device in emergency situations.

"Having immediate access to an AED can literally be the difference between life and death during a sudden cardiac arrest," said Eickmeyer. "When every minute counts, this equipment empowers bystanders to take potentially life-saving action before emergency responders arrive."

Sudden cardiac arrest affects thousands of people annually across the United States, with survival rates dramatically improving when AEDs are accessible and used promptly. The DP Foundation's donation addresses this critical need at a central community gathering place in Chelan.

"The Lake Chelan Community Center is a vital hub that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds," said Adam Lang, President and Founder of the DP Foundation. "We're honored to provide this life-saving device, which aligns perfectly with our foundation's mission of saving lives and strengthening community well-being."

The Community Center, located at 103 Bighorn Way in Chelan, was made possible through broad community support, including public and private grants and donations. This latest 

partnership with the DP Foundation, The Nick of Time Foundation, and Lake Chelan Health further demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing community needs.

"Our Center exists because of the generosity and vision of our community," said Cruz. "This AED donation and training partnership is another example of how like-minded organizations can work together to create a safer environment for everyone who walks through our doors."

The AED will be prominently installed in an accessible location within the Community Center, with clear signage to ensure visibility during an emergency.

About Lake Chelan Community Center

The Lake Chelan Community Center serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors of all ages in the greater Lake Chelan area. Located at 103 Bighorn Way, the first phase of a 46,000-square-foot facility features a coffee shop, multipurpose rooms, a fitness center, dedicated spaces for community partners, and a free kids' play area. 

About DP Foundation

Adam Lang established the DP Foundation in memory of his best friend, Daniel Phelps, who died from sudden cardiac arrest at age 27. The foundation saves lives by placing AEDs, supporting the Nick of Time Foundation's heart screening program, and offering free CPR/AED training through the Medic One Foundation. They have funded over 4,400 youth heart screenings and provided 19 AEDs to communities across Washington State. The foundation is a key partner in Project 100, which aims to equip 100% of Washington State sports fields with accessible AEDs.

Information Contacts:

Lake Chelan Community Center: Maribel Cruz

DP Foundation: Adam Lang 

Lake Chelan Health: Ray Eickmeyer

LIFESAVING GIFT: Lake Chelan Community Center Receives Public Access Defibrillator

Lake Chelan Community Center Executive Director Maribel Cruz (center, in beige) accepts a vital Public Access Defibrillator donated by the DP Foundation. Adam Lang, President and Founder of the DP Foundation (center, in DP Foundation shirt) presented the lifesaving device that will be installed at the Community Center. The team from Lake Chelan Health, led by Ray Eickmeyer (right, in blue), will provide staff training on proper AED usage, ensuring the Community Center is prepared for cardiac emergencies.

Pictured from left to right: Seth Ellis, Jonah Dobbs, Christina Eickmeyer, James Ashmore, Tanner Long, Jared Sloan, Brian Slater, and Ray Eickmeyer, along with Maribel Cruz and Adam Lang (center).

The installation of this AED supports the Community Center's commitment to safety and wellness for all visitors and program participants.

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