Knowing the importance of the skill Hamlin urged everyone to go get trained in CPR.
"You never know when you're going to need that as a superpower to save somebody you love," Hamlin added.
In a surprise finale, Hamlin presented AEDs to the Johnny B. Wiley Center and Buffalo's Police Athletic League (PAL).
The event was supported by a wide network of community partners, including the Buffalo Bills Foundation, American Heart Association, and Buffalo PAL. Families enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, bouncy houses, games, and a youth football clinic. Local barbers and braiders provided free haircuts and styles for kids preparing to return to school.
Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon praised the initiative for going beyond school preparation.
"But more importantly, peace of mind and the knowledge that they're ready to start the school year, ready to learn, and ready to hit the ground running," Scanlon said. "Young people's families are going to receive life-saving skills here today, and that's going to make our community stronger as a whole."