By DENISE MOE
For The Reporter
Hosting an awards ceremony at a rooftop bar and raising over $6,000 for a nonprofit in a single night may seem like a singular occasion. But to the members of Synergize, it’s just another day of giving back to the community.
The Carmel-based professional group gathered on Tuesday for its monthly 4:30 Meetup, an event where Synergize members build authentic friendships and support a local cause. This month, the funds raised from the 4:30 Meetup will be used to provide AEDs to police officers through Indiana nonprofit Bolt for the Heart.
Bolt for the Heart President Pierre Twer has spent the past decade on a mission to install AEDs into every police officer’s vehicle. The AEDs can – and do – help officers save the lives of sudden cardiac arrest victims who are waiting for ambulances to arrive. In a situation where seconds can make the difference between life and death, Bolt for the Heart has a marked impact on the lives of Indiana citizens.
“I look forward to the day when I see an AED in every business, every school, every patrol car, and on every corner,” said Kristin Toussing, who spoke at the event. “I look forward to the day when my survival is no longer a miracle.” She and another speaker, Jeff Utzinger, both shared their stories of survival after sudden cardiac arrest. Their lives were saved by shocks from AEDs in police cars.
After their stories, Bolt for the Heart honored two Greenfield police officers, Lieutenant Matthew Holland and Patrolman Andrew Pfaff, with Bolt Lifesaver Awards at the event. Each of the officers had used an AED to administer a lifesaving shock to a civilian. Greg Heuer of AP Engineering and Consulting, sponsor of this month’s 4:30 Meetup, presented the awards to cheers and applause.
Thanks to ticket sales and donations from its members, Synergize raised enough money to fund five AEDs for police vehicles. Combined with a four AED match donation, the group will donate a total of nine lifesaving AEDs through Bolt for the Heart.
Just 18 months old in June, Synergize has raised over $40,000 in 2021 alone. Last year, the organization benefited Bolt for the Heart at another 4:30 Meetup. One of the AEDs donated by the group last year has already been used to save a victim of sudden cardiac arrest.
“I met with a SCA Survivor here in Carmel before our 4:30 Meetup today,” Synergize Founder Arron Stanton said. “She is a beautiful four-year-old girl, and just like my five-year-old son, she’s got a natural and authentic love for life. None of us are promised tomorrow, but all of us have the ability to make a ripple today that impacts someone else tomorrow.”
About Synergize
Synergize is a group of business and community leaders who build lifelong friendships instead of business deals. Their members, who value authentic connection and community impact, live by the motto, “Relationships Over Everything.” The only rule? No jerks! To learn more about the Synergize movement, visit synergizeindy.com.