New Rochelle Public Library Receives Donation of AEDs from Butterflies from Jodie
The New Rochelle Public Library has recently been equipped with two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) thanks to a generous donation from Butterflies from Jodie, a charitable organization dedicated to making communities safer through AED placement. This significant contribution honors the memory of Jodie Torigian, who passed away from cardiac arrest at a young age. Had an AED been available, her life may have been saved. In keeping with their mission, Butterflies from Jodie aims to provide critical resources and support to community-focused organizations, enhancing safety and enriching lives.
“We are grateful to be a recipient of these devices,” said Library Director Eugenia Schatoff. “We hope we never need to use them but take comfort in knowing we have them in an emergency. This donation enables us to have a device on each floor of the library, making access quick and easy when a few minutes could make all the difference in saving someone’s life.”
Amy Torigian Parise, Jodie’s sister and Co-Founder/President of Butterflies from Jodie, shared the importance of this donation to the Library on a personal level: “The Library was a place of healing for my mom after my sister Jodie passed. She spent many hours there, finding comfort in books about grief and the afterlife. I’ve always thought of libraries as places for learning, but for her, it was a refuge and a source of peace. We’re grateful for all the New Rochelle Public Library does for the community. Butterflies had major significance to Jodie. They represented life, love and eternity, so we call our contributions to the various charities “Butterflies from Jodie.” We know this gift would make her very proud.”
Butterflies from Jodie was established to honor Jodie’s life through acts of kindness and generosity, creating safer spaces for all through their AED program. The organization’s goal is to prevent future tragedies by providing AEDs to community-centered locations like the New Rochelle Public Library, where they will be readily available in case of an emergency. Since 2000, Butterflies from Jodie has donated over 90 organizations across New Rochelle and beyond.
“We’re deeply moved by Butterflies from Jodie’s dedication to honoring Jodie’s memory,” Director Schatoff added. “Our library is proud to be part of this mission to protect our community and to serve as a place of comfort and safety.”
For more information on Butterflies From Jodie and their community-focused AED program, visit butterfliesfromjodie.org
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