At the close of 2013, the SAGA Community Fund (SCF) continues to raise funds for our goal of placing an AED in every patrol car on the Outer Banks. An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a portable electronic device that diagnoses and treats a variety of heart conditions by the application of electrical therapy that stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
A Component of SAGA Construction Inc.
At a recent kickoff breakfast where we presented the initial funds to purchase 16 AED units, SCF President, Amit Gupta said, “I thank those responding to the continuing effort to place an AED in every police car patrolling on the Outer Banks.” The SAGA Challenge began as a small measure to reward the Kill Devil Hills Police Department, in particular Captain Mark Evans, for reviving and saving the life of a SAGA Construction Superintendent, Dewey Par, who collapsed on a job site. As we became more familiar with the need, we realized to make a more significant impact on public safety for residents and visitors, the task at hand was broader and SAGA expanded the Challenge to equip all Outer Banks Police Department patrol cars.
“The business community graciously stepped forward and likeminded individuals, such as Russ Lay of the Outer Banks Voice and MAX Radio of Carolinas, suggested we launch a Sky Dive Challenge to give the project continued visibility by using on-air personalities and community leaders to raise awareness of our goal,” said Sumit Gupta, CEO of SAGA.
The initiative was launched by Russ Lay, along with the help of Max Radio of Carolinas, and the SkyDiveOBX team of Heather McLay and Sven Jseppi, who donated their skydive services as well as the plane, fuel and knowledge to make the event possible. The fundraising event took place without a hitch and raised $3,555.
Unfortunately, as we moved forward to attain our goal, our friend Dewey Parr passed away in early September. The SAGA team, along with Dewey’s family and friends, joined together to memorialize the project by renaming it the “The Dewey Parr/SAGA Challenge,” and raised $3330. Further, an additional $1,115 was donated by Griggs/Carter Lumber, Surf or Sound Realty and Ocean Sands K9 Resort, raising the total funds collected thus far to $8,000.
“We have already reached the half way fundraising mark towards our goal of purchasing 62 AED units, which we intend to complete in 2014. We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have become involved in continuing this important community effort,” said Amit Gupta.