Local Business Looks to Purchase Defibrillator

saves lives by teaching students to defend themselves, and by strengthening their bodies through exercise. Now it’s looking to add another lifesaver to its arsenal—an automated external defibrillator (AED). Sensei Matt VonWolput and his wife Katherine, owners of the martial arts dojo, are currently working to raise about $2,400 to purchase an AED.

One of the dojo’s members, Andrea Petrone, will sponsor a Stella and Dot jewelry party on Friday night at 6 p.m.

“I was skeptical at first, because I’m not really a jewelry person,” Katherine VonWolput said. “But once I got to look at this jewelry, I was sold. It’s super cute and very affordable.”

The dojo is also raffling an Ipad 2 with a two-year warranty at a cost of $20 for five tickets. The prize will be awarded at the dojo’s annual picnic in October.

The idea of owning an AED has been a long time coming. Both VonWolputs and other staff members at the dojo must renew their CPR certification every year, and last year they also took an AED certification course.

“Since then, we’ve been wanting to get one at the dojo,” Katherine VonWolput said. “We know how vital it is in saving a life in case anything bad ever happens.”

Currently the dojo is at about 25 percent of its fundraising goal.

To check out Stella and Dot jewelry, visit Andrea Petrone’s site.