Cassata Foundation and LifeVac donate anti-choking devices to Pelican Marsh Elementary community

By AI, Created 9:58 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Cassata Foundation and LifeVac gave anti-choking devices to Pelican Marsh Elementary staff, teachers and parents in Naples, Florida, in a March 21 event aimed at improving emergency readiness. The donation comes as choking remains a leading cause of accidental death among young children.

Why it matters: - Choking is a leading cause of accidental death, especially for young children. - The donation puts emergency response tools in the hands of the adults most likely to be with students at home and at school. - The effort is meant to improve readiness in a life-threatening emergency where seconds matter.

What happened: - Rosario S. Cassata of The Cassata Foundation, in partnership with LifeVac, donated anti-choking devices to the staff, teachers and parents of Pelican Marsh Elementary School in Naples, Florida. - The donation event took place Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Farmer Mike’s in Bonita Springs. - Teachers, staff members and parents received the devices along with guidance on how to use them.

The details: - The devices are described as simple to use, non-invasive and designed for emergency situations that require immediate action. - The initiative focuses on giving families and educators critical tools to respond quickly and effectively during choking emergencies. - The Cassata Foundation said the effort fits its broader mission to promote safety, preparedness and community well-being. - The foundation also said it supports community safety and wellness initiatives through resources and education that help protect families and save lives in Florida and New York. - Rosario S. Cassata said, “Protecting children and families is at the heart of everything we do.” - Rosario S. Cassata also said the goal is to help create a safer community and potentially save lives. - The donation follows a separate recent $5,000 gift from Rosario S. Cassata to Pelican Marsh Elementary School supporting the Harry Chapin Foundation’s “March for A Million Meals” campaign.

Between the lines: - The donation pairs a product giveaway with hands-on instruction, which increases the odds the devices can be used correctly in an emergency. - The foundation is linking safety outreach with other community support efforts, suggesting a broader local presence in Naples-area philanthropy. - The inclusion of parents, teachers and staff points to a schoolwide preparedness effort rather than a single-classroom program.

What’s next: - Pelican Marsh Elementary families and educators now have the devices available if a choking emergency occurs. - The Cassata Foundation is likely to keep emphasizing safety and wellness projects tied to family and school communities. - The partnership with LifeVac may serve as a model for similar community-based safety donations elsewhere.