The Gootter Grand Slam returns this spring on Saturday, April 15th with a world-class lineup of tennis superstars, special guests, and a gala alfresco dinner and auction at La Paloma Country Club.

The event supports the many lifesaving accomplishments of the Steven M. Gootter Foundation, which over the past 18 years has raised millions of dollars for ongoing Sudden Cardiac Death research and has distributed over 450 AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) that have been placed in schools, sports venues, public places, non-profit organizations and in law enforcement vehicles throughout Southern Arizona.

The 2023 event will feature a thrilling exhibition between two of the most successful doubles teams in the world, the Bryan Brothers and the Jensen Brothers.

Murphy Jensen, the 2022 Gootter Foundation Philanthropic Award recipient and sudden cardiac arrest survivor, was saved because the sports venue where he had the arrest was equipped with an AED that was used to revive him. He was proud to share that he has come through the ordeal “with a healthy heart and a sound mind.” Always a supporter of the work of the Gootter Foundation, Murphy is now more invested in the cause than ever. “Over the last decade, I have supported the Gootter Foundation’s efforts to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) and the use of AEDs. In fact, I’ve done chest compression-only CPR and AED demonstrations at the Gootter Grand Slam events. I never imagined that someday I would be saved by these techniques.”

Since the Gootter Foundation began placing AEDs throughout Southern Arizona, many have been used to save lives. President Andrew Messing is more determined than ever to the Foundation’s mission. “When an elite athlete like Murphy Jensen collapsed on the tennis court from a sudden cardiac arrest, it demonstrated that SCD can happen to anyone. Events like this reinforce the Gootter Foundation’s commitment to eradicate SCD and place lifesaving AEDs throughout the community.”