Salesmanship Club of Dallas Champions Cardiac Safety at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson PGA Tournament with Deployment of Life-Saving Avive AEDs

McKinney Fire Department, Salesmanship Club of Dallas, and Avive Solutions collaborate to equip THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson with 20 mobile AEDs, building a model for national cardiac preparedness.

San Francisco, CA, - May 1, 2025 -  Salesmanship Club of Dallas is leading a powerful public safety initiative at this year’s 2025 THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson PGA TOUR tournament, deploying 20 Avive Connect AEDs® throughout the tournament in partnership with the McKinney Fire Department and Avive Solutions.

With more than 35,000 daily attendees, THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson becomes one of the most cardiac-prepared sporting events in the nation, positioning Salesmanship Club of Dallas as a leader in fan, volunteer, and player safety. Following the conclusion of the tournament, the AEDs will be donated by the organization to the McKinney Fire Department for continued use and distribution within the community, supporting public health and emergency response throughout the year. ‍

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“Ensuring the health and safety of every guest is our top priority,” said Brad Howland, Associate Tournament Director and Director of Operations of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. “This initiative is about safeguarding fans, players, and volunteers - not just during tournament week, but long after. Partnering with Chief Jones and Avive Solutions empowers us to take lasting, meaningful action that strengthens the safety of our entire community.”

A New Standard in Cardiac Preparedness

In the heat and high energy of a professional golf tournament, cardiac events are a real risk, particularly with large crowds and long walking distances. This effort puts McKinney on the map as a national leader in cardiac emergency response. AEDs will be placed at key fixed locations across the course, while mobile medics on bicycles will carry additional units, significantly cutting down response times in cardiac emergencies.

“Our goal is to create a community where no matter where you are in McKinney, you’re within four minutes of an AED,” said EMS Battalion Chief Ben Jones. “These 20 Avive AEDs help make that vision a reality, starting at the city’s largest events of the year.”

The initiative will expand upon McKinney’s existing fleet of 100+ Avive Connect AEDs, lightweight, fully-connected defibrillators that integrate with 911 dispatch and provide real-time data for first responders and hospitals.

Community Impact Beyond the Tournament

The impact of this initiative reaches well beyond the four-day tournament. After the tournament concludes, the AEDs will be donated by THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson to the McKinney Fire Department to be redeployed throughout the city, supporting neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and public spaces. This shared-use model, supported by an annual renewal, represents a smart, sustainable investment in public health.

“We’re proud to support McKinney and the Salesmanship Club of Dallas in showing how modern AED technology can be deployed with intention, impact, and longevity,” said Sameer Jafri, CEO of Avive Solutions. “This is a playbook for how events and municipalities can work together to save lives.”

A Scalable Model for National Impact

McKinney’s approach is already drawing attention from other municipalities and national event organizers looking to replicate its success. As this model gains traction, it has the potential to shape how large-scale events, and entire communities plan for cardiac emergencies.

About the Salesmanship Club of Dallas

Founded in 1920, Salesmanship Club of Dallas unites its more than 600 members to strengthen the mental health of children and families. Throughout the year, members focus their efforts to support Momentous Institute which is dedicated to innovative mental health services, education, and professional training to strengthen children, families, and communities. Uniquely, Salesmanship Club of Dallas is the host organization of an official stop on the PGA TOUR, THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, which has generated more than $190 million for Momentous Institute. Through Momentous Institute, Salesmanship Club of Dallas is on track to strengthen the lives of 1,000,000 children and families by 2031.

About Avive Solutions

Avive Solutions, Inc. is a California-based healthcare technology company revolutionizing access to life-saving AEDs. Avive’s lightweight, connected AEDs empower communities, emergency responders, and everyday citizens to respond faster and more effectively to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Learn more at https://avive.life.

Media Contacts:

Katerina Miras
Avive Solutions
katerina@avive.life

Brooke Fedro
Salesmanship Club
bfedro@salesmanshipclub.org

Ethan Knowles
McKinney Fire Department
cknowles@mckinneytexas.org

For more information, visit avive.life.