News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE:
 August 22, 2012
CONTACT: Katie McKenna
kmckenna@topsmarkets.com

   
TOPS MARKETS JOINS FORCES WITH RPCI AND TEAM CURE CHALLENGE TO HELP ‘OUTRUN’ CANCER
5k/10k road race expected to draw more than 1,500 participants and raise more than $150,000

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania, will hold the fifth annual Tops 5k/10k run/walk at Tops’ corporate headquarters in Williamsville, NY on Saturday, August 25, 2012. Approximately 1,500 participants are expected to attend and Tops and Roswell hope to raise more than $150,000 at this year’s event, which would more than triple the amount raised at this event since Tops teamed up with Roswell in 2009. All proceeds from the race will benefit Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

“We are incredibly lucky to have a renowned cancer research hospital that offers state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and employs some of the most talented medical and research professionals in the world right in our back yard,” said Frank Curci, Tops president and CEO. “It is important to us that we help give back to fellow local organizations, and we will continue to support Roswell in any way we can.”

In 2007 Tops’ first road race drew just 100 participants, raised $1,000. In 2009 Tops teamed up with Roswell Park’s Team Cure Challenge, and Roswell Park Cancer Institute became the beneficiary of proceeds raised at the annual event. In 2009 the race drew 485 participants and raised $32,000. In 2010 the race drew 925 participants and raised $81,000, and in 2011 the event grew to 1,300 participants and together Tops and Roswell raised $114,000.

“The life-saving cancer research and supportive patient programs that take place every day at Roswell Park would not be possible without the generous support of Tops Friendly Markets and the thousands of participants in the Tops 5K/10k,” said Dr. Donald L. Trump, president and CEO of Roswell Park. “The growth of this event and the overwhelming enthusiasm demonstrated by the Tops family is truly inspiring, and I would like to share my continued gratitude on behalf of our faculty, staff and patients.”

Cancer-charity running programs have gained popularity nationally and are leading the fight against this devastating disease. According to a July, 2011 Runner’s World article, the financial contribution runners and donors are making to fight cancer totals more than $650 million annually.

“The response from the community for this year’s race has truly been overwhelming,” said Kathleen Graim race director and community relations specialist for Tops Markets. “We have a strong partnership with Roswell Park and the kindness and generosity of our associates, local partners and neighbors will undoubtedly enable us to reach our goal of raising more than $150,000 at the event this year.”

The race will be held on Saturday, August 25 at Tops corporate headquarters at 6363 Main Street in Williamsville, NY. Individuals interested in participating can register on race day. Registration fee is $25.00. The race starts at 9:30 a.m. for both 5k and 10k participants and immediately following the race there will be refreshments and an awards ceremony.

Major sponsors for this year’s race include: Pepsi, Michelob Ultra, WIVB/WNLO, Entercom Communications, National Fuel, Bank of America, Infusion Sales Group, The Buffalo News and Modern Disposal. Supporting sponsors include: The SKM Group, UFCW Local 1, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, Frito Lay, Bulls Eye Construction and Joe’s Deli.

Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 133 full-service supermarkets – 127 company-owned and six franchise locations. With more than 14,000 associates, Tops is a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company's website at www.topsmarkets.com.

 

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