FAIRFAX, Va. –

Sheehy Auto Stores' 19th annual Sheehy 7000 sales event to benefit the American Heart Association will start Friday and run to July 5.

"We are proud to once again partner with the American Heart Association through fundraising efforts and events to make a difference in the communities we service,” Vince Sheehy, president, said in a news release. “Heart disease has touched many of us in one way or another, and this charity does much to educate, raise awareness and help save lives.”

Sheehy dealerships throughout Washington, D.C., Richmond, Va. and Baltimore will lead various initiatives in support of the Sheehy 7000 including giveaways, blood pressure screenings and CPR training.

Last year’s Sheehy 6000 community campaign raised $200,000 for the AHA. Throughout the company’s 50-year history, Sheehy has raised more than $40 million for community and nonprofit organizations.

"Sheehy Auto Stores is a valued and generous partner," said Michelle Nostheide, vice president of marketing for the AHA.  "In addition to the Sheehy 7000, the company has actively supported our National Walking Day event through sponsorship and participation among employees."

The family-owned Sheehy Auto Stores began as a single Ford store in 1966 and has grown to more than $1 billion in sales.