Hopey's Heart Foundation Receives Generous Donation to Enhance Community Health Initiatives

Hopey's Heart Foundation Receives $20,000 Donation

The Connecticut Sun has proudly announced that the Hopey's Heart Foundation (HHF) has secured a generous donation of $20,000 from their longstanding partner, Yale New Haven Health. This momentous reveal was made during a pregame ceremony on September 6, when representatives from Yale New Haven Health surprised Tina Charles, the founder of Hopey's Heart and star center of the Connecticut Sun, with the check just ahead of the team's game against the Phoenix Mercury.

This donation will significantly aid the foundation in reaching its ambitious target of distributing 500 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) within various communities. The AEDs will be strategically placed in areas serviced by Yale New Haven Health, including Connecticut, Westchester County in New York, and Washington County in Rhode Island. The initiative aims to enhance health for student and amateur athletes through education and access to vital medical equipment in schools, community centers, and recreational facilities.

Christopher O'Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Yale New Haven Health, emphasized the profound impact of readily available AEDs. He remarked, "Having these devices accessible in schools and community facilities is not just a precaution; it's essential for saving lives. By ensuring AEDs are present where people gather, we are making a crucial investment in public safety and community resilience."

In recognition of the foundational work done by Hopey's Heart, the Governor of Connecticut proclaimed September 6 as 'Hopey's Heart Day' throughout the state. Governor Ned Lamont stated, "I encourage all citizens to acknowledge and support efforts aimed at improving AED accessibility, CPR education, and community initiatives that protect lives, especially in honor of those we have lost and in support of Hopey's Heart Foundation's mission."

Since its establishment in April 2013, the Hopey's Heart Foundation has already installed 486 AEDs nationwide. The foundation was created to honor the memory of Tina Charles’ aunt, Maureen "Hopey" Vaz, who tragically lost her life due to multiple organ failure in March 2013. The foundation is committed to raising awareness about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and strives to place AEDs globally through its grant program, which is open to non-profits, schools, recreational parks, and emergency response departments.

Reflecting on this special day, Tina Charles expressed her heartfelt gratitude: "Today meant everything to me. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Yale New Haven Health for their generous pledge of $20,000 to help us place 17 more AEDs and reach our goal of 500. Hopey's Heart has tremendously contributed to maintaining the safety of our communities, and this truly means the world to me. I am grateful for family support, especially from my aunt’s side, who were here with me today. We have all been a part of this mission, helping to safeguard community hearts during my career in the WNBA, and I am thankful for every opportunity to make an impact."

Founded in 2003, the Connecticut Sun is a professional basketball team in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), playing their home games at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For further information or to buy season tickets, fans can visit www.connecticutsun.com or call 1-877-SUN-TIXX.