CVS Caremark Charity Classic Awards $1.3 Million to 62 Charities

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

GoLocalProv Features Team

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The vital work of 62 nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts received a boost over the holidays with support from funds generated by the 2010 CVS Caremark Charity Classic. The funds were presented at a time when charities are working harder than ever – stretching funds to fulfill important missions while operating in a down economy.

CVS Caremark’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Tom Ryan, along with PGA Tour Professionals and CVS Caremark Charity Classic co-hosts Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon, presented more than $1.3 million to area charities at the Company’s Customer Support Center headquarters. Over the course of the tournament’s 12-year history, more than $14 million has been raised to support the important work being done by charities in Southeastern New England.

“There are two very powerful aspects of the CVS Caremark Charity Classic – great golf and great charities,” said Ryan. “Sports enthusiasts can enjoy world-class golf in a relaxed atmosphere. At the same time, local nonprofits receive much-needed support in delivering services to those who need it most.”

“The support we receive from the CVS Caremark Charity Classic is a welcome relief at this time of the year when there is a tremendous peak in home fires and a subsequent displacement of people,” said Bruce Rutter, chief executive officer of American Red Cross of Rhode Island. “To make matters worse, many families who are struggling to make ends meet are doubling and tripling up in apartments and houses to save money. As a result, the consequences of many of the fires we’re responding to are more devastating – affecting a far greater number of people than usual and forcing us to consume resources quicker.”

Ryan remarked, “It is stories like these that make me, along with Billy and Brad, CVS Caremark colleagues, and our many sponsors and supplier partners very proud to be a part of something so meaningful. We are equally proud of the tremendous support we get from our volunteers who give so much time and commitment to this tournament, year after year.”

Ryan thanked Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon for bringing such an impressive field of professional golfers to the CVS Caremark Charity Classic each year and for their longstanding commitment and dedication to the tournament. Additionally, Ryan thanked the Rhode Island Country Club for being outstanding hosts of the tournament and acknowledged IBM, Pepsi and Nature’s Bounty for being presenting sponsors of the Classic and great partners.

The CVS Caremark Charity Classic incorporated several new elements into this year’s tournament – including a refreshed Web site and a new Twitter feed and Facebook page for fans.

A total of 62 nonprofit organizations are receiving funds raised through the CVS Caremark Charity Classic this year. Among the beneficiaries who attended the check presentation gathering were representatives from the working charities whose hundreds of volunteers were instrumental to making the tournament a success.