'Butterflies From Jodie' Donates AEDs To New Rochelle Library

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The library has two new tools that could be just as important as anything in the collections.

The New Rochelle Public Library says that it has recently been equipped with two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), thanks to a donation from Butterflies From Jodie, a charitable organization dedicated to making communities safer through AED placement.

The contribution honors the memory of Jodie Torigian, who passed away from cardiac arrest at a young age. If an AED had been available, her life may have been saved.

Butterflies From Jodie was established to honor Torigian’s life through acts of kindness and generosity, creating safer spaces for all through their AED program. The organization aims to prevent future tragedies by providing AEDs to community-focused locations like the New Rochelle Public Library, where they will be readily available in case of an emergency.

"We are grateful to be a recipient of these devices," Library Director Eugenia Schatoff said. "We hope we never need to use them, but take comfort in knowing we have them in an emergency. This donation enables us to have a device on each floor of the library, making access quick and easy when a few minutes could make all the difference in saving someone’s life."

Amy Torigian Parise, Jodie Torigian’s sister and Co-Founder/President of Butterflies From Jodie, shared the importance of the donation to the library on a personal level:

"The Library was a place of healing for my mom after my sister Jodie passed. She spent many hours there, finding comfort in books about grief and the afterlife. I’ve always thought of libraries as places for learning, but for her, it was a refuge and a source of peace. We’re grateful for all the New Rochelle Public Library does for the community. Butterflies had major significance to Jodie. They represented life, love and eternity, so we call our contributions to the various charities 'Butterflies From Jodie.' We know this gift would make her very proud."

Since 2000, Butterflies From Jodie has donated AEDs to over 90 organizations across New Rochelle and beyond.

"We’re deeply moved by Butterflies From Jodie’s dedication to honoring Jodie’s memory," Schatoff added. "Our library is proud to be part of this mission to protect our community and to serve as a place of comfort and safety."

Find more information about Butterflies From Jodie on their website.