Sheehy Auto Stores is again looking to support the American Heart Association through a program happening at all of its dealerships.

On Friday, the company announced the beginning of the 23rd annual Sheehy 8000 Sales Race, a community-wide initiative in which all 29 Sheehy dealerships sell vehicles while raising awareness and funds to benefit the American Heart Association.

The campaign is set to run through Sept. 8.

“The Sheehy 8000 is one of our most significant annual sales events and fundraising partnerships,” Sheehy Auto Stores president Vince Sheehy said in a news release. “As we all navigate living through the COVID-19 pandemic and our new reality, it is important now more than ever to stay well through heart healthy diets and exercise. 

“We are proud to once again partner with the American Heart Association and their ‘Healthy for Good’ initiative to provide homebound and socially distant support and guidance,” Sheehy continued.

Last year, the Sheehy 8000 campaign raised $300,000 for the charity. To date, Sheehy’s fundraising efforts have raised more than $40 million for community and non-profit organizations, and over $1.6 million raised for the American Heart Association.

Each of Sheehy’s 29 dealerships throughout Washington, D.C., Richmond, Va., Hagerstown, Md., and Baltimore will lead various initiatives in support of the Sheehy 8000 to include virtual events to engage the community with ways to stay heart healthy and safe while maintaining social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

“All of us at the American Heart Association are grateful for Sheehy’s unwavering loyalty during these unprecedented times. COVID-19 disproportionately affects heart and stroke patients, making their support more important and life-saving than ever,” American Heart Association executive director Soula Antoniou said.

“The Sheehy 8000 is a phenomenal sales race and truly a team effort! The commitment of Sheehy’s employees, vendors and customers can be seen in funds raised and the lives impacted — in Sheehy dealerships and in our communities,” Antoniou added.  “With over $1.6 million raised to date, this campaign has made much of our work around blood pressure management, healthy food access, and CPR training possible. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”

For more information visit www.sheehy.com.