Pirates Charities Make Donation to Defibrillate Manatee
Published on June 16, 2023 under Florida State League (FSL)
Bradenton Marauders News Release
BRADENTON, Fla. - The Pittsburgh Pirates and Pirates Charities donated 10,000 dollars to Defibrillate Manatee on Friday, June 16 ahead of the Bradenton Marauders First Responders Appreciation Night at LECOM Park.
Ernie Withers, a sudden cardiac arrest survivor, has created a foundation called Defibrillate Manatee. The non-profit organization is dedicated to raising funds to donate AEDs to other non-profit organizations. Withers' life was saved on February 21st when he collapsed at Pirate City in Bradenton during a Manatee County Chamber Event hosted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dr. Patrick DeMeo of the Pirates and his training staff performed CPR and used an AED to revive him.
Defibrillate Manatee made its first donation during the first week of June, which is AED/CPR awareness week. The foundation will donate 20 defibrillators to the Bradenton Police Department for their patrol cars. Withers hopes that this gesture will help the police officers save more lives and make Bradenton a safer place.
"I am grateful for the second chance at life that I have been given, and I want to ensure that others have the same opportunity," said Withers. "I believe that having AEDs available in public places can save lives, and that's why I started this foundation."
Defibrillate Manatee is currently accepting donations, and all funds raised will go towards purchasing AEDs for non-profit organizations. Withers hopes to expand the foundation's reach and help more organizations throughout the Bradenton community.
For more information on the Defibrillate Manatee, please visit their website at https://manateecf.org/.
Florida State League Stories from June 16, 2023
- Cardinals Clip Mets 1-0 in Rain-Shortened Game - St. Lucie Mets
- The Bash Bros of Polanco and Nolasco Combine Bombs in Victorious Evening - Bradenton Marauders
- Palm Beach Benefits from Shortened Game - Palm Beach Cardinals
- Beach Dogs and Tarpons Combine for 30 Hits in 14-6 Loss - Clearwater Threshers
- Blue Jays Give up Big Inning, Can't Come Back Late - Dunedin Blue Jays
- Pirates Charities Make Donation to Defibrillate Manatee - Bradenton Marauders
- Second Fan Selected Bobblehead Giveaway, First Responders Night, and Hawaiian T-Shirt Giveaway for the Tail End of the Double Homestand of the Season - Daytona Tortugas
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
