Vermont community members unite to build a community of lifesavers

The American Heart Association Heart Walk promotes CPR readiness, celebrates survivors, drives critical cardiovascular research

Vermont Heart Walk Chairman, Ben Traverse, cutting the starting line ribbon. Photo Credit: Owen Leavey

Community members gathered at the Vermont Heart Walk on June 21 at Delta Dental Diamond at Centennial Field, raising over $15,000 to further the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital don’t survive—a sobering statistic that underscores the Heart Walk’s urgent call to action: fundraise, learn CPR and take action to save lives.

In addition to raising critical funds, the Vermont Heart Walk brought together heart disease and stroke survivors, as well as participants from local companies, to unite in the mission to save lives. Every walker who joined the Heart Walk, every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research and more lifesaving moments for everyone.  

“The Heart Walk is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together,” said Ben Traverse, 2025 Heart Walk Chairman. “By supporting this year-round initiative, we’re not just raising funds—we’re equipping more people with lifesaving skills and making Vermont a stronger, healthier place. Our vision is for every home to be prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped us take a big step toward that goal.”

Here in Vermont the top companies based on fundraising include:

  • Collin’s Aerospace
  • NBT Bank
  • University of Vermont Health Network

The Vermont Heart Walk is sponsored by University of Vermont Health Network, Northeast Delta Dental, NG Advantage, Mascoma Bank and NBT Bank. To learn more, visit Heart.org/VTHeartWalk.