Sheehy Auto Stores recently announced that it raised a record donation of $285,000 to give the American Heart Association this summer.

The company made the donation as part of its annual Sheehy 8000 campaign, a community-wide effort from May 12 to July 5, where Sheehy dealerships sold a combined total of over 8,000 new and used vehicles in efforts to raise the annual donation.

In addition to raising funds and awareness for the American Heart Association, the 54-day campaign also included community events such as heart-healthy cooking, food and CPR demonstrations.

"This year was a milestone for us and we are grateful for the support from our customers, communities and team members that have made this campaign such a success," Sheehy Auto Store president Vince Sheehy said in a news release.  "We are proud to support such a great organization that does so much to educate and help prevent the risk of heart disease and stroke."

For several years, Sheehy has also been a sponsor and active partner at the American Heart Association’s National Walking Day event held on the first Wednesday in April at Springfield Town Center. 

Additionally, this year, each of Sheehy's dealerships hosted individual step challenges between employees on the day of the event, according to the company.

"We are so grateful to the Sheehy Auto Stores family, their partners and customers for another record-breaking year,"  Michelle Nostheide, vice president of the American Heart Association, said in the release.

"The funds and awareness raised during the Sheehy 8000 will go a long way in furthering our life-saving mission in our communities," she said.

Last year's annual campaign, the Sheehy 7000, raised $225,000 for the charity. According to Sheehy, it has collected a total of over $40 million on behalf of both community and non-profit organizations since its inception.