While retail endured a tough time in 2009, some retailers are still putting community first. Some welcome financial relief was received by local nonprofit organizations recently as funds generated by the 2009 CVS Caremark Charity Classic were presented during a ceremony at CVS Caremark headquarters to several New England nonprofits.
PGA Pros and CVS Caremark Charity Classic hosts Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon joined CVS Caremark president, chairman and chief executive officer Tom Ryan to present more than $1.3 million in funds generated by the 2009 CVS Caremark Charity Classic and to announce a total of more than $13 million donated to charity since the tournament’s inception in 1999.
"The CVS Caremark Charity Classic offers world-class entertainment for golf fans while providing support to the communities where we live and work," said Ryan. "In our 11th year of presenting the Charity Classic, we are proud to have given back more than $13 million to support local charities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts."
With a good cause and a purse of $1.55 million, the three-day event held in June at the Rhode Island Country Club brought out a field of PGA Tour pros, LPGA pros and Champions Tour players that included Bubba Watson, Brad Faxon, Billy Andrade, Davis Love III, and Nick Price, along with several LPGA stars.
At the gathering, which included many of the beneficiaries of the funds generated, Ryan thanked the sponsors for their generosity, the volunteers for their time and commitment, and spectators for their enthusiasm and participation. He also thanked Faxon and Adrade who not only hosted the event, but initiated the co-ed format used this year.
A total of 64 nonprofit organizations are receiving funds raised through the CVS Caremark Charity Classic this year, including American Heart Association, Autism Project, March of Dimes, RI Chapter and Rhode Island Family Shelter. 