FAIRFAX, Va., and KOKOMO, Ind. -

Sheehy Auto Stores Inc. announced Monday it passed its annual campaign goal to raise more than $200,000 to benefit the American Heart Association.

The dealer group also sold 6,500 vehicles in 54 days as part of the company’s 18th annual Sheehy 6,0000 sales charity event.  

"With the support of our customers, our business partners and our staff, we are pleased to announce a record-breaking fund-raising effort during the Sheehy 6000," said Vince Sheehy, president of Sheehy Auto Stores. 

"Partnering with the American Heart Association, we have been able to support a worthy cause while reinforcing the importance of maintaining heart health with events we sponsored for our employees and visitors to many of our dealerships," Sheehy continued.

On top of the large portion of sales benefitting the charity, the dealer group also mentioned that Sheehy dealers throughout Washington D.C., Richmond, Va. and Baltimore, Md. led community outreach initiatives that included speakers, giveaways, cooking demonstrations and event sponsorships. 

And internally, over 100 Sheehy employees participated in Lunch & Learn events, which featured healthy cooking demonstrations and other heart-healthy tips.

"We are so grateful for the generous support of the Sheehy Auto Stores staff and customers throughout the region, which will go directly to aiding our mission of ending cardiovascular diseases and stroke," said Michelle Nostheide of the American Heart Association.  "We are also proud that our partnership has resulted in increased heart health awareness for thousands of our neighbors through walking events, Lunch and Learns, CPR trainings, cooking demonstrations and more."   

FCA Foundations donates $62K to 17 North Central Indiana community groups

In other philanthropic news stemming from the auto industry, it was recently announced the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of FCA U.S. LLC, awarded grants totaling more than $62,000 to 17 Kokomo and Tipton, Ind., area community organizations and programs that serve youth development and education, senior citizens, veterans and multicultural activities.

"We're focused on strengthening our community and the region with vital programs and services that provide support for those in need," said Bob Varsanik, general manager of transmission and component operations at FCA U.S. "We hope by joining forces with our friends and neighbors we can help better the lives of individuals and families where we live."

The FCA Foundation awarded grants, which ranged from $1,500 to $10,000, will go to support the following organizations and programs: 

  • Advantage Housing – affordable housing program for veterans and others with special needs
  • Boys and Girls Club of Tipton – youth development, recreation, tutoring and leadership programs for children and young adults                 
  • Family Services Association – education, prevention and crisis intervention for women and children
  • Encore Elderly Transportation Services – providing rides for Senior Citizens in Tipton County who are not able to drive themselves to medical and basic living services
  • Encore Food Pantry – serving the basic living needs of Tipton County residents  
  • Guardian Angel Foundation – medical and educational support for terminally ill patients and grief and bereavement camp for children and families
  • Habitat for Humanity Kokomo – new home construction
  • Howard County Community Foundation – re-development and building civic responsibility
  • Howard County Public Library – educational and children programming to support literacy
  • Joe Thatcher Benefit – academic, social and emotional support and development for children
  • Kokomo Automotive Museum – program support to continue the heritage of Howard County
  • Kokomo Rescue Mission – support for the homeless, hungry, and hurting in Howard County
  • Kokomo Urban Outreach – support for families, including free food pantry and child development programs
  • Project Access – free healthcare services for uninsured and homeless  
  • Samaritan Caregivers – volunteer support for in-home Senior Citizens not able to fully care for themselves
  • Special Olympics – year-round physical training and "Olympic" competition for mentally and physically challenged residents
  • The Crossing – alternative high school providing vocational training, job placement, emotional support and mentoring for at-risk students

"As a company, we are committed to making service to others part of our daily mission," said Jody Trapasso, senior vice president of external affairs for FCA North America and president of the FCA Foundation.

"Over the years, we've invested more than half a billion dollars in charitable organizations to help build strong communities, while our volunteer activities have impacted millions of lives," Trapasso continued. "The result is stronger, more stable communities, both in our backyard and around the world."