FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Grace McGuirk
Director of Fundraising
(216) 589-9053
Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K Establishes Non-profit
Organization to Support Local Charities
CLEVELAND (March 19, 2007) – The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & 10K, one of
the 50 oldest marathons in America, has established a 501(c)3 charitable
organization whose mission is to raise and distribute funds to other
Northeast Ohio non-profit organizations.
"Our goal for Cleveland Marathon Charities is to formalize our
philanthropic efforts in the community, which have already surpassed $1
million in donations through sponsorships and discounted entry fees," said
Jack Staph, executive director of the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon.
"Cleveland Marathon Charities will provide funding to non-profit
organizations that get involved in the race by providing volunteers and
spectators, and it will coordinate their involvement."
"The marathon has brought more than 250,000 runners and hundreds of
thousands of spectators to the streets of Cleveland since 1977, and it will
pump about $8 million into the local economy this year – mostly into
hotels, restaurants and other for-profit businesses," said Mary Grace
McGuirk, director of fundraising for the Cleveland Marathon Charities.
"This new organization will provide an avenue for those companies that
benefit from the race's impact to give something back to the community."
As the number of participants in the marathon, half-marathon, 10K,
wheelchair challenge and kid's run continue to increase, so does the need
for volunteers and spectators, said McGuirk. Northeast Ohio charitable
organizations that organize groups of spectators or volunteers may be
eligible for Cleveland Marathon Charities contributions and should contact
the organization to learn more about the guidelines of the program, she
said.
Interested charitable organizations and businesses interested in making a
financial contribution to the Cleveland Marathon Charities may contact Mary
Grace McGuirk at 216-589-9053 or mgmcguirk@yahoo.com for additional
information.
Cleveland Marathon Charities (501c3) organizes and financially rewards
school, church and other non-profit groups that show their support of
health and fitness through running by their active involvement as
participants, volunteers or cheerleaders in the Rite Aid Cleveland
Marathon.
The 30th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon will hit the streets of
Cleveland on Sunday, May 20 at 7:00 a.m., and weave runners through
historic and scenic parts of the city. There will be a 26.3 Mile Rock
Party at the finish line featuring food and live music. Those who are
interested in participating in the marathon, half-marathon, 10K, wheelchair
challenge, walking divisions or kid's race, can register online
atwww.clevelandmarathon.com or call
1-800-467-3826 for more information.
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