To accomplish our goals, there is a need for generosity and the support of both our local communities and communities around our nation. As a sponsor for the Foundation, you become part of the impact by helping us save the life of someone suffering from cardiac arrest while furthering our mission to create a Culture of Action.
While we are fortunate to have excellent First Responders, on average, the most rapid response is six minutes in the Fredericksburg area. The brain of an individual suffering an out-of-hospital cardiac event begins to lose function after 4-6 minutes, at a rate of 10% per minute – assuming there are no pre-existing or compounding health issues.
Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation is one of few nonprofits in the Commonwealth that provides Hands-Only CPR and AED training for free. We also procure and gift community organizations and businesses with opportunities to place AEDs. When bystanders are trained in Hands-Only CPR and given the confidence to act quickly, the response can begin within 1-2 minutes, drastically increasing the chance of survival and cognitive recovery.
When you donate to Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, 100% of your donation goes directly into our community programs. Our sponsors make it possible for us to train individuals in life-saving skills, educate the public on the importance of Hands-Only CPR, and place additional AEDs in the community and across the Commonwealth.
Joel Griffin is co-founder and chairman of Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation. Gwyneth’s Gift was founded in 2015 by Joel and Jennifer Griffin in honor of their oldest daughter, Gwyneth. He is also an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with 25 years of private industry consulting experience and 20 years in government contracting. He is the Founder and CEO of Riphean, a regional growth management firm.
Joel is committed to philanthropy within the region through local nonprofits and organizations that strengthen local communities. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stafford Hospital Foundation, and Germanna Educational Foundation. Joel was recognized for his impact and leadership within the region, receiving the Prince B. Woodward Leadership Award in 2022.
In addition to the regional award, Joel received the Valor Award from Loudon County for his life-saving efforts in an emergency. He also received the Patriotic Civilian Service Award given by the U.S. Army for actions taken immediately and following 9/11 at The Pentagon in 2001.