Raffle raises money for emergency medical gear

Dear Editor:

On Nov. 1, the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department held a raffle involving several items donated by Blacksburg businesses.

The raffle was used to raise funds for an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient and is able to treat them by application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm. The cost of and AED ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the options and features. For more information you can visit our Web site at www.blacksburgvfd.org.

We would like to congratulate the following winners:

Mary Tessneer of Blacksburg: She won a Toshiba DVD/VHS combo donated by Randall's TV and Satellite Sales and Service, Blacksburg.

Lindsey Borders of Blacksburg: She won a $50 gift certificate to Munchies, donated by Munchies, Blacksburg.

Crystal Jones of Blacksburg: She won a $50 gift certificate to Food Lion, donated by Food Lion, Blacksburg.

Clint Pharris of Blacksburg: He won a $50 gift certificate to PigglyWiggly, donated by PigglyWiggly, Blacksburg.

Erica Jackson of Spartanburg: She won a queen-size bed in a bag, donated by J&G Pillow, Blacksburg.

Lashaunda Steadman of Blacksburg: She won a car wash donated by Patterson's Wrecker Service, Blacksburg.

We would like to thank all of the businesses that sponsored this raffle. Anyone interested in donating money toward the purchase of the AED or any other emergency medical equipment for the department can contact the Blacksburg Town Hall, or me at (864) 839-2333. You may also stop by the town hall at 105 S. Shelby St.

Thank you,

Clay Greer Assistant Fire Chief Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department