Woonsocket, R.I. (October 25, 2011) - CVS/pharmacy is teaming up with the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation to launch its "Kicks for Community" campaign, which will run through the 2011 NFL regular season. As part of the campaign, CVS/pharmacy will make a donation to the Foundation for every successful field goal by the New England Patriots during home games, totaling up to $25,000.
Additionally, on October 29, 2011, CVS/pharmacy and the Foundation will give youth from Easter Seals Massachusetts the unique opportunity to test their kicking skills during an inclusive football skills camp at Patriot Place. This is the third year that CVS/pharmacy and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation have hosted the skills camp and more than 100 children have participated to date.
"Each year, we are excited to partner with the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and support organizations that are helping kids realize their full potential," said Eileen Howard Boone, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications & Community Relations for CVS Caremark. "The 'Kicks for Community' campaign and annual football skills camp reflect our shared commitment to create inclusive opportunities for children of all abilities across New England."
The CVS/pharmacy "Kicks for Community" campaign is an extension of CVS Caremark All Kids Can, a program that helps children of all abilities learn, play and succeed in life.
"The continued support we've received from CVS/pharmacy has helped enable us to make a positive impact on the lives of youth throughout New England," said Andre Tippett, Executive Director of Community Affairs for the New England Patriots. "Sports are a great way for children to have fun and experience what it's like to be on a team and we're thrilled to work with CVS/pharmacy to give children of all abilities the unique opportunity to play football at Patriot Place."
CVS/pharmacy and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation will celebrate the outcome of the "Kicks for Community" campaign during a check presentation on January 1, 2012 at Gillette Stadium following the announcement of the non-profit organizations that will receive funding through the Foundation's season-long "Celebrate Volunteerism" initiative.
The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and the Kraft family launched "Celebrate Volunteerism" on September 18 to honor Myra Kraft's lifetime commitment to philanthropy and charitable service. Each week throughout the NFL season, the Foundation focuses on different volunteer areas with the goal of collecting and sharing examples of dedicated volunteers throughout New England to inspire individuals to follow Myra Kraft's example of becoming a life-long volunteer. The campaign also encourages fans to personally go out into the community and make a difference by pledging volunteer hours online at /community/volunteer-pledge.html.
*CVS/pharmacy * CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with more than 7,200 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drug stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at info.cvscaremark.com.
CVS Caremark All Kids Can
All Kids Can, a program of the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust and CVS Caremark, is a commitment to support children with disabilities. The goals of All Kids Can are to support children with disabilities by raising awareness in schools and in local communities about the importance of inclusion, creating greater opportunities for physical activity and play and providing access to medical rehabilitation and related services. CVS Caremark and its more than 211,000 employees help children with disabilities learn, play and succeed through partnerships with leading local and national nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit http://www.cvsallkidscan.com.
New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is the non-profit organization established by the Robert Kraft family in 1994 to support charitable and philanthropic agencies throughout New England. This support comes in the form of direct grants and the donation of signed memorabilia to charitable causes, and from Patriots players who offer their direct support by appearing at charity functions throughout the year. The Foundation's primary goal is to support programs that aid the youth and families of the New England region by assisting programs that foster cultural diversity, education, family and health. The Foundation has taken special interest in youth programs that encourage education, creativity and development of character. In 2011, The Foundation's "Celebrate Volunteerism" initiative aims to recognize deserving volunteers and inspire others to follow Myra Kraft's example of becoming a life-long volunteer. For more information about "Celebrate Volunteerism" visit www.patriots.com/community.
