From Fundraising to First Response: How Cintas’ Commitment to Heart Health Saved a Life

In 2026, Cintas employee-partners and their families came together to support the American Heart Association (AHA), raising more than $180,000 for the Cincinnati Heart Mini-Marathon & Walk.

At the March 15 event, Cintas employee-partners conducted CPR trainings and demonstrations, reinforcing the importance of lifesaving skills – something Dan Gray, a Six Sigma Black Belt in Cintas’ Rental Division, has experienced firsthand.

“It was definitely life-changing,” said Gray.

Three years ago, Gray was at home in Bluffton, Ohio, when he heard his neighbor scream his name. He immediately knew something was wrong.

“I could tell she was panicked, and she was on the phone with 911,” said Gray.

Her husband, Dan Bowden, was unresponsive in their garage. Gray quickly assessed the situation, determined that Bowden had no pulse and needed CPR. Gray started compressions right away. His wife, Jennifer Gray, a nurse, joined him moments later and the two performed CPR until first responders arrived.

“It was right after the first couple compressions, I’m like ‘OK, I got this, I know what to do.’ It was a good feeling,” said Gray.

That confidence came from having recently completed his CPR refresher course through Cintas, which is the AHA’s largest training partner – certifying over 500,000 people a year in CPR.

“It gives us a sense of pride to work for a company that we know is prioritizing safety for not only our partners, but also for the people around us, so that we could be prepared, called to action if we need to,” said Gray.

Bowden, who has since recovered from the heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery, is also grateful for Gray’s CPR training through Cintas.

“If it wasn't for Dan and Jennifer doing their CPR on me, I probably wouldn't be here,” Bowden said.

Stories like Bowden’s underscore why the AHA’s mission to fight heart disease and stroke is so critical, and why Cintas is proud to support this work.

Cintas was named the 2026 AHA Torch Trophy winner, recognizing the AHA’s corporate partner whose employees generated the highest fundraising total. Cintas led all participating organizations by nearly $40,000 over the next highest company, reflecting exceptional employee-partner engagement and leadership in advancing heart health.

The impact of this year’s fundraising will reach far beyond the finish line, helping support the AHA’s lifesaving work and prepare more people to act when it matters most.