Hundreds join Wayne County Heart Walk to raise $219,000 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. More than 650 people gathered at the Wayne County Heart Walk on Thursday, Sept. 25 at Kean Elementary and Kinney Field, raising more than $219,000 to further the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association.

In addition to raising critical funds, the Wayne County Heart Walk brought together heart disease and stroke survivors, participants from 31 local companies, and other community members to learn hands-only CPR and build a community of lifesavers.

“The Heart Walk shows what Wayne County can do together,” said Jody Starcher, volunteer co-chair of the 2025 Wayne County Heart Walk. “It is exciting to see so many people from the community coming together for a common purpose and celebrating life.”

This year’s top fundraising companies included Wooster Community Hospital, J.M. Smucker Company, and Briggs and Starr Wealth Management.

“It was an honor to co-chair this event, and the turnout was awesome,” said Sue Smail, volunteer co-chair of the walk. “I thank the people of Wayne County for supporting the American Heart Association and this walk.”

The Wayne County Heart Walk is sponsored by platform sponsor Wooster Community Hospital/The Wooster Heart Group. The event’s mission sponsors included Aultman Health Foundation, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, the Cleveland Clinic, DASCO, Metals USA, Milk-Bone and Seaman Corporation. To register, donate or learn hands-only CPR, visit www.heart.org/wayneheartwalk.