INDIANAPOLIS -

Byrider didn’t let the pandemic slow its effort to raise money for the American Heart Association.

The network of buy-here, pay-here dealerships recently announced it has raised more than $38,000 for the American Heart Association’s 29th annual Indianapolis Heart Walk and 5K. This year marks 20 years Byrider has participated in the Indianapolis Heart Walk and been a partner of the American Heart Association.

During the last two decades, Byrider said it has raised more than $1 million for the non-profit organization.

“We are proud of our long-term partnership with the American Heart Association,” Byrider chief executive officer Craig Peters said in a news release. “This cause is a deeply personal cause for many of us and it is a privilege to be a part of their life-saving work.

“Our fundraising efforts, the Heart Walk and other American Heart Association events are integral parts of what makes us who we are as an organization, and we look forward to participating each year,” Peters continued.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Byrider indicated this year’s official Heart Walk took place virtually on Sept. 12. Participants were able to walk remotely and engage on social media through the hashtag #IndyHeartWalk.

Byrider said its employees participated in the Heart Walk virtually and in addition, more than 80 Byrider employees walked together on Aug. 24 with social-distancing guidelines in place to ensure the safety of all who chose to participate.

To support fundraising efforts, Byrider organized more than 13 internal teams competing and contributing to raffles, silent auctions and more, in order to meet established personal and team goals.

Additionally, Byrider gifted a red 2011 Chevrolet Camaro to the American Heart Association to auction off as an additional donation. The virtual auction was live from Sept. 15 through Sept. 29 and the winning bid was $7,500 for the American Heart Association.

Back in February, Byrider also participated in the eighth annual Red Dress Dash in downtown Indianapolis to raise awareness about heart disease during American Heart Month.

“Byrider plans to offer continued support for the American Heart Association in future years to help fund research and care on behalf of those living with heart disease,” the company said.