Carolyn Hodges Great Save Fund
Learning CPR and first aid has long been a part of Girl Scouting from
girls working toward their First Aid Badge to troop leaders or other
adult volunteers becoming first aid/CPR certified so their troop can
participate in various activities or programs.
Now, any
registered Girl Scout age 12 years and older (girls and adult
volunteers), may apply for a mini-grant to help underwrite the cost of
first aid/CPR certification. Both troops and individuals may
apply.
You will pay $15 or 50% of the cost of the class
(which ever is lower) and the Carolyn Hodges “Great Save” Fund will
cover the rest. For example if your class costs $50, you will pay $15
and the grant will pay $35. If your class is $24, you will pay $12 and
the grant will pay $12. Costs will be reimbursed after the participant
completes the class and questionnaire.
Each year, funds will be distributed throughout the council, so that Girl Scouts across the 47-county area may have access to grant funds throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Funds are limited and priority will be given to troops or individuals with scheduled Girl Scout activities or trips that require the certification.
To apply: Submit the Great Save Fund application and a copy of your certification card after you complete your class by email.
*PLEASE NOTE: Participants in CPR/First Aid classes hosted by
GSKSMO automatically receive this benefit and should not apply for
the Great Save Fund.
History of The Carolyn Hodges "Great Save" Fund
In May 2014, Dr. Glenn Hodges had a major cardiac episode, and
the only reason he is with us today is because his wife performed
life-saving CPR. Mrs. Carolyn Hodges credits her knowledge of CPR to
her time as a troop leader and long-time Girl Scout volunteer.
Mrs. Hodges received the "Great Save" award from
Overland Park Regional Medical Center for performing life-saving CPR
on her husband while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
With a renewed appreciation for the value of being CPR certified, Dr.
and Mrs. Hodges were determined to help other people become certified,
too. The Carolyn Hodges "Great Save" Fund was established so
that more Girl Scouts may learn how to respond to victims of breathing
and cardiac emergencies. The family also wants to highlight the
importance of immediate response to medical emergencies and, most
importantly, calling 911.
Dr. Hodges had a successful
career as a clinician, teacher, clinical investigator, and physician
executive. He was affiliated with the Department of Veteran Affairs
from 1974-1999 and was a faculty member at the University of Kansas
College of Medicine and Health Science.
Mrs. Hodges was a
Girl Scout throughout her childhood. She earned the highest award in
Girl Scouting, the Curved Bar (today called the Gold Award). As an
adult, she started volunteering for Girl Scouts when she and her
husband moved to Kansas City in 1974. In addition to her volunteer
work, Mrs. Hodges was an early childhood education teacher.
The couple has four grown daughters, all of whom are Girl Scout
alumnae; three of their granddaughters are also Girl Scouts.
Questions? Email us.