The Hopey’s Heart Foundation, founded by Connecticut Sun center and Olympic gold medalist Tina Charles, has received a $20,000 donation from Yale New Haven Health. The donation was presented as a surprise during the pregame of the Sun’s September 6 matchup against the Phoenix Mercury and will help the foundation reach its milestone of distributing 500 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) since its launch in 2013.

The AEDs will be distributed throughout Yale New Haven Health’s service areas, including Connecticut, Westchester County (NY), and Washington County (RI), with a focus on schools, community centers, and recreational facilities.

"Having AEDs readily available in schools, community centers and recreational facilities is not just a precaution – it's a lifesaving necessity,” Christopher O'Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Yale New Haven Health.  “These devices empower everyday citizens to act swiftly in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, dramatically increasing survival rates. By placing AEDs where people gather, we're making a powerful investment in public safety and community resilience."

The foundation, created in memory of Charles' late aunt Maureen "Hopey" Vaz, has placed 486 AEDs to date.

"Today meant everything,” said Tina Charles.  “I just want to say thank you to Yale New Haven Health for wanting to pledge that $20,000 for Hopey's Heart Foundation to place 17 more AEDs to get to 500. Hopey's Heart has been able to keep communities' hearts safe, and it just means the world to me. In memory of my late aunt, to see my family on my aunt's side surprise me and be present— [they] who have been supportive of my nonprofit, [I'm] just very thankful. All glory to God for just choosing me for the mission to help keep communities' hearts safe during my WNBA career. Very thankful to the Connecticut Sun organization, as well, and them just being helpful to be able to do this and have this impact."