Record-breaking year: American Heart Association’s Alachua County Heart Walk raises over $270,000 to save lives
Press release from the American Heart Association
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – This year’s Alachua County Heart Walk was the most successful yet, raising more than $270,000 to support the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association. The record-breaking achievement was driven by the leadership of Vinnie Moreschi, Executive Vice President and Principal of Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI), who served as the volunteer chair of the campaign.
“The Heart Walk shows what Gainesville can do together,” said Moreschi. “By supporting this year-round movement, we’re not just raising funds — we’re equipping more people with lifesaving skills and helping make Alachua County a stronger, healthier place. Our vision is for every home to be ready to respond to a cardiac emergency, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped us take a big step toward that goal.”
Driven by Moreschi’s vision and his Executive Leadership Team, the campaign addressed a critical community need — boosting cardiac arrest survival rates through CPR education, awareness, and preparedness. Every middle and high school in Alachua County Public Schools received a CPR in Schools Training Kit, helping build a community of lifesavers.
The Heart Walk holds special meaning for CPPI, which lost its founder, Charles R. “Chuck” Perry, to a heart attack in 2005. “I was deeply honored to lead the Heart Walk as we commemorated the 20th anniversary of Chuck’s passing,” said Moreschi. “As a trusted partner to the healthcare industry, CPPI is dedicated to supporting the well-being of our communities. The American Heart Association holds a special place in our hearts, reflecting our unwavering commitment to advancing health and wellness.”
To help achieve Moreschi’s goal, Nancy Perry, wife of the late Chuck Perry, generously matched the funds raised by CPPI. Her support helped make this year’s campaign a record-breaking success — the best year ever — raising more than $270,000 to fuel the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission.
Held on September 27 at Celebration Pointe in Gainesville, the Alachua County Heart Walk brought together heart disease and stroke survivors, participants from 30 local companies, and other community members to learn Hands-Only CPR and build a community of lifesavers.
Approximately 9 in 10 people who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive — but immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival. The American Heart Association continues to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, and events like the Heart Walk are vital to advancing cardiovascular research and education.
This year’s top fundraising companies included Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI), UF Health, Quality Plumbing of Gainesville, CAMPUS USA Credit Union, and HCA Florida North Florida Hospital.
The Alachua County Heart Walk is sponsored by The Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI), HCA Florida Healthcare, Quality Plumbing of Gainesville, UF Health, W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc., and Wal-Mark Contracting Group. To donate or learn more, visit AlachuaHeartWalk.org.