Last week, Heather Cooper-Kim, a producer at Rathbun Insurance, had the privilege of attending the 2nd Annual Champions of the Heart Foundation Fundraising Gala at the Breslin Center on April 24. The event was a truly inspiring evening, spotlighting an important cause—heart health and saving lives through CPR and AED training.

The night featured an incredible address by former Michigan State basketball star and NBA player, Mateen Cleaves, who is a strong advocate for the Champions of the Heart Foundation. This organization was founded by former Spartan Assistant Coach Michael Garland, who survived a sudden cardiac arrest thanks to the quick thinking and immediate action of two men who performed CPR and used an AED to save his life. Garland’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact that swift action can have in emergencies.

Hall of Fame MSU Men's Basketball Coach Tom Izzo, who was also part of Garland's life-saving team, returned this year to host the silent auction. Coach Izzo, who has known Garland for years, commended the teamwork and swift decisions that ultimately saved his life. The evening was filled with moving stories, exciting auction items, and a strong sense of community coming together for a cause that could make all the difference in someone’s life.

At Rathbun Insurance, we deeply value the importance of heart health and emergency preparedness. In fact, all of our staff are First Aid and CPR certified—an initiative we implemented last year to

ensure that we are always ready to act in a moment of need. This training was led by our very own certified trainer and Account Manager, Kime Evans, who took the lead in ensuring our team is equipped with the skills to respond quickly and confidently in emergencies.

We are incredibly proud to support organizations like Champions of the Heart Foundation and are committed to continuing to make a difference in the community, one life at a time. Whether it's saving a life or supporting initiatives that promote heart health, Rathbun Insurance is always "Being There" for our neighbors.