CVS celebrates record-breaking Downtown 5K fundraising effort

WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS Caremark celebrated the record-breaking funds raised by the 2007 CVS Caremark Downtown 5K at a special dinner held Tuesday evening at the CVS Caremark Customer Support Center.

A group of about 125 youths and adults joined CVS Caremark executives and staff for dinner and a presentation of checks to their respective schools and organizations. The 2007 race—which turned out more than 7,000 registered runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes and raised $160,000—brought the tally of funds raised during the retailer’s eight-year sponsorship of the Downtown 5K to $800,000.

“We are pleased to be recognizing so many positives this evening as we celebrate yet another banner year for the CVS Caremark Downtown 5K and set the pace for continued success in upcoming years,” stated Larry Merlo, executive vice president of CVS Caremark and president of CVS/pharmacy. “Through this great race, the largest in Rhode Island, the spirit of volunteerism comes alive, health and fitness are embraced and nonprofit organizations get an extra financial boost to help them fulfill their important missions.”

Representatives from the following nonprofit groups were honored and presented with checks at the dinner: All Children’s Theater, Amos House, Best Buddies of Rhode Island, Meeting Street, National Braille Press, PARI (People Actively Reaching Independence), Perkins School for the Blind, The Groden Center and The Providence Center.

CVS Caremark also awarded $500 grants to 10 schools that won random drawings. And Merlo acknowledged the children with special needs who participated in the All Kids Can Inspirational segment of the 2007 race.

The 2008 CVS Caremark Downtown 5K is scheduled for Sept. 21.