CVS Charity Golf Classic plays Santa Claus

December 24, 2011

BIG CHECK! -- The CVS Caremark Charity Classic raised nearly $1.2 million for 64 local nonprofit agencies via the 2011 golf tournament. Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon are seen at lower right alongside CVS President Larry Merlo with the ceremonial check at Thursday’s press conference.

WOONSOCKET – Holiday songs and cheer filled the air at CVS Caremark’s corporate headquarters on Thursday as 64 nonprofit organizations received a much-needed boost from funds generated by the 2011 CVS Caremark Charity Classic. The tournament, Rhode Island’s largest charitable sporting event, this year raised nearly $1.2 million for charities across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, bringing the total funds raised since its inception to more than $15 million.
On-hand to award the monies raised by this year’s tournament – which draws some of the world’s best PGA and LPGA golfers – were CVS Caremark President and CEO Larry Merlo and PGA Tour Professionals/CVS Caremark Charity Classic co-hosts Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon.
The trio distributed the funds amid holiday songs performed by the children’s chorus of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence and inspirational stories shared by a student and the executive director of San Miguel School of Providence.
“Giving back to the communities we serve is at the heart of the Charity Classic and the tournament helps hundreds of charitable organizations make a real difference in the lives of those who need it the most,” said Merlo. “We are so pleased to be able to support the great work being done by these organizations especially during these tough economic times.”
Funds raised by this year’s CVS Caremark Charity Classic will support the important missions of a range of charities, in turn, touching the lives of people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
From helping the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, which provides energy assistance to Rhode Islanders who are unable to pay their energy bills and do not qualify for federal or state funds, to assisting the Autism Project of Rhode Island with programs that improve the education and lives of individuals with autism, to supporting the San Miguel School in Providence in offering a quality education to boys from challenging circumstances – the Charity Classic provides significant funding to target critical needs within the community.
“Because of the CVS Caremark Charity Classic, boys who are disadvantaged are able to realize their dreams through a San Miguel education,” said Brother Lawrence Goyette, FSC, executive director of The San Miguel School of Providence. “Funds provided by the tournament assist us greatly in transforming lives. When our students have the opportunity for a quality education that closes academic gaps, broadens horizons and emphasizes community, they go on to beat the odds, stay in school and contribute to society in positive ways.”
Merlo added, “CVS Caremark’s passion for enriching our community only gets deeper when we hear stories of need and outcomes of success like those shared by Brother Lawrence. We are very proud to be a part of something so meaningful.”
In addition to rewarding all 64 charities for their good work, Merlo accentuated the leadership provided by Andrade and Faxon through their roles as co-chairs of the Charity Classic and the dedication of the 20 working charities whose hundreds of volunteers were instrumental to the tournament’s success. Merlo, Andrade and Faxon also announced the date of the 2012 CVS Caremark Charity Classic: June 17 through June 19.
A total of 64 nonprofit organizations received funds raised through the CVS Caremark Charity Classic. Among the beneficiaries attending today’s check presentation gathering were representatives from the ‘working charities’ of the tournament.