Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation: New Year, New Look, Matured Focus.

As we embark on 2022, overcoming obstacles, challenging the odds, and fighting for our mission, we may look a bit different to you. Our maturity, growth, staff, and operational standards have changed to fit the virtues Gwyneth Griffin would have today as a 22-year-old woman, rather than as a young girl, when our foundation was established. 

When you view our logo, you may take note of a face silhouette, the Eiffel Tower, and a butterfly inside of a heart. While at first glance, there might not be much changed from our original logo to now, we want to share our changes, to help you see and understand them.

The face of Gwyneth in our logo has matured from the young girl she was, to the adult woman she would be today and to share how Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation has grown as a Foundation as well. Initially founded in 2015, we started with only a couple members on the board, three Foundation Programs, training at less than 1,000 a year, and only one employee starting in 2017. Today, we celebrate our organizational growth, with currently 14 board members, the addition of our Awareness Program, training over 3,000 individuals per year, and four employees.

Alongside our logo maturity, we have updated our Mission and Vision to be shorter and easier to identify for the public. Our website has been updated into a new design for seamless usage and appealing visual aids. We are excited to go on this journey as a continuously developing Foundation and look forward with hopefulness and pride as to what the future holds for us as we serve the community we love in advocating for a Culture of Action.

Mission

To raise awareness of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Vision

To create a Culture of Action where communities are educated, confident and empowered to save the lives of individuals suffering from cardiac arrest. 

Stay Connected With Us

Shannon Frick

Program Manager

Shannon is the Program Manager at Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, where she oversees all programs, including CPR & AED training, the AED program, the Scholarship program, and the volunteer program. Coming from a military family, Shannon has traveled the world but calls Northern Virginia her home after more than 20 years in the area.

She graduated from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, with a degree in English and later earned an associate’s degree in emergency medical science from Northern Virginia Community College to pursue a career as a first responder. Shannon served as a professional Paramedic/Firefighter for 13 years with the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. During her tenure, she spent over half of her career in the training division.

Shannon’s extensive instructional experience provides her with a deep understanding of effective teaching methodologies and practices, making her an invaluable asset in delivering successful CPR & AED training to all groups of all ages. Her role at Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation aligns perfectly with her background, as she works to equipe community members with the skills and confidence to perform Hands-Only CPR and use AEDs, ultimately saving lives.

When she is not instructing, Shannon enjoys spending time outdoors. She may be out snowboarding, paddleboarding with her corgi, training her deaf pitbull sign language commands – or just running after both of them with her fiancé at the dog park.

Email: SFrick@gwynethsgift.org 

Joel Griffin

Chairman & Co-Founder

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.