Sheehy Auto Stores is planning its 22nd annual Sheehy 8000 Sales Event, a community-wide program to sell 8,000 vehicles (through July 5) while raising awareness and funds for the American Heart Association. But the company’s support of the association extends beyond the Sheehy 8000.

For the past several years, the company has sponsored and been an active partner at the National Walking Day event in April, which promotes walking and a heart-healthy lifestyle.

But for Sheehy 8000, each of the Sheehy dealerships throughout Washington, D.C., Richmond, Va., and Baltimore will lead initiatives such as healthy cooking demonstrations, blood pressure screenings, fitness demonstrations and CPR training for employees and the community.

Last year’s Sheehy 8000 campaign raised $300,000 for the American Heart Association, which has a mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Throughout Sheehy’s 50-year history, the company has raised more than $40 million for community and non-profit organizations. And it takes that National Walking Day event seriously. Each of Sheehy’s dealerships hold their own employee step challenges. This year, Sheehy Auto Stores collectively totaled 656,006 steps in 12 hours as part of the company's corporate challenge.

But American Heart Association senior development director JP Wiley said in a news release that the association is especially appreciative of the Sheehy 8000 campaign, noting that this is the sixth year the association is a beneficiary of that program.

"We are so grateful for the commitment and generosity of the Sheehy team and customers in helping us be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives throughout the region,” Wiley said. “With $1.3 million donated to date, we are truly creating transformative change within our community because of Sheehy’s support.”

Sheehy Auto Stores president Vince Sheehy said his company was planning its “most successful Sheehy 8000 yet.”

“We are proud to support this great cause by actively raising funds and overall awareness, which can help save lives,” he said.