ESTERO, Fla., Sept. 17, 2025 — Geoff Hunter, branch manager at Raymond James Naples, was announced as the 2025 Collier County Heart Walk chairperson. In this role, he’ll be leading a year-round Hands-only CPR campaign and raising funds for the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has put a spotlight on CPR education as a critical element of the Collier County Heart Walk campaign. Hunter and a team of top community leaders are committed to ensuring more people across Collier County are prepared to respond effectively during a cardiac emergency.

 “The Collier County Heart Walk is a powerful platform that brings together families, friends and co-workers with one shared purpose, to save lives,” said Jessaca Rodriguez, executive director of development and community health at the American Heart Association. “Heart disease and stroke remain the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in our nation, and throughout this event, we are raising critical funds to fight these diseases while expanding our impact through Hands-Only CPR education. Our goal is to ensure that every household in Collier County has at least one person who is confident and prepared to respond in a cardiac emergency.”

The Heart Walk, active in over 220 cities nationwide, is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement that drives corporate involvement in the fight against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Collier County. This year, companies participating in the Collier County Heart Walk will play a crucial role in the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, a national effort aimed at doubling cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030.

"Serving as chair of the Collier County Heart Walk is an opportunity to help transform our community into a nation of lifesavers," said Geoff Hunter.  “My goal is to raise $500,000 and engage Collier County in this lifesaving movement. I’m especially passionate about ensuring that at least one person in every household knows CPR, because when cardiac arrest strikes, every second counts.”

The American Heart Association is a global leader in resuscitation science, education, and training, and the official publisher of CPR guidelines. Through the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is committed to empowering individuals everywhere to act in the event of a cardiac emergency, making sure that no one is left without the help they need when seconds count. Nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die[1] yet immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival[2].

The year-round Heart Walk campaign will culminate on Saturday, December 13, at Baker Park in Naples, where 3,000 participants will walk to save lives while raising essential funds to advance lifesaving research, increasing CPR education, providing demonstrations, and driving equitable health for all people.

A dynamic group of Association Executive Leadership Team members, made up of community leaders, is working diligently behind the scenes to make the 2025 Collier County Heart Walk a reality. The dedicated group includes: Shelly Church, immediate past chairperson of the American Heart Association’s Southeast regional board and (retired) SVP, Investments, Raymond Jaymes; Matt DeNunzio of WVL Synergy; Greg Gorman of John R Wood Properties; Curtis Gunther of Imperial Homes of Naples; Matt Hunter of Carter Fence Company; Peter Petropulos of NCH Healthcare System; Eric Price of Benjamin F. Edwards; Kathleen Simpson of B&I Contractors and Brett Swanson of Moorings Park. Their leadership and commitment are driving momentum, inspiring community engagement and helping build a healthier future for Collier County.

Collier County Heart Walk sponsors include: Raymond James as Platform sponsor; NCH as Signature sponsor; Win Big Charity Inc.; Moorings Park; Shelly Church; Physicians Regional Healthcare System; Carter Fence Company; and B&I Contractors, among many others.

Companies interested in participating may contact Jessaca Rodriguez at Jessaca.Rodriguez@heart.org. For more information about the Collier Heart Walk, visit Collier Heart Walk.

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About the American Heart Association  

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries:

Janeth Castrejon: janeth.castrejon@heart.org

heart.org and stroke.org