Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation Receives Generous Grant from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative

Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation is thrilled to announce a substantial grant from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative for our Hands-Only CPR and AED Training program. This generous grant valued at $5,000.00 will expand our ability to empower individuals to take action and save lives.

With Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s support, Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation has been able to procure 34 “Anytime CPR” home kits and 60 training manikins. These easy-to-use kits are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and practice needed to perform CPR effectively during critical moments of emergency. The new training manikins enable us to expand our training capacity and provide a more realistic hands-on learning experience, enhancing our program’s effectiveness.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Rappahannock Electric Cooperative for their unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our community,” said Jennifer Griffin, President of Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation. “This grant exemplifies their dedication to supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. With the ‘Anytime CPR’ home kits, we aim to inspire confidence in our community members and nurture them to take action when it matters most — during life-threatening emergencies. Fostering a Culture of Action and creating heart-safe communities is part of our mission.”

Performing CPR, especially immediately after someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple their chance of survival. By making these kits accessible to households across the region, Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative empower individuals to be proactive in safeguarding the well-being of their loved ones and neighbors.

Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation expresses its heartfelt appreciation to Rappahannock Electric Cooperative for this remarkable grant and looks forward to this transformative project. It is through the generosity of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative member-owners who round up their electric bills that we are provided with the opportunity to make a difference. Together, we are building a resilient community equipped with the tools to save lives.

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.