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During Heart Month, Join our Culture of Action

This month marks the 57th consecutive American Heart Month. Established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in December 1963, American Heart Month is a time for Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease.

Throughout February, we are raising awareness of the importance of cardiovascular health by hosting heart-healthy events and sharing important information about community safety and wellness. We invite everyone to join our Culture of Action and participate in our month-long campaign to save hearts and lives.

Here’s how you can take part in American Heart Month and join our Culture of Action:

  • Friday, February 5th – Wear Red Day. Snap a selfie wearing red and tag us using #gwynethsgiftfoundation
  • Thursday, February 11th – Join us for a heart-healthy wine tasting virtually with our friends at City Vino
  • Tuesday, February 16th – Grab some family members and head into the kitchen with Dr. Yum for a virtual Meal-O-Matic cooking class
  • Wednesday, February 24th – Check out our latest Community Beat interview with Board Member and Cardiologist, Dr. Gregory Kaufman on our YouTube Channel.
  • All month-long – Sign-up for an in-person or virtual Hands-Only CPR and AED training class

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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.