More than 50 firms committed to UMass Medical cancer fundraiser

Photo/Grant Welker The UMass Cancer Walk and Run's first business challenge will pit businesses against one another to see who raises the most, with the winner getting a trophy to keep through the year until the next event.

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By Grant Welker

For nearly two decades, UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Health Care have organized an annual run and walk event to raise money for cancer.

For the 20th annual event this September, businesses are getting involved in a fundraising challenge organizers hope will raise more money than ever.

So far, around 50 Central Massachusetts companies have committed to raising money for the event, from Niche Hospitality Group to Table Talk Pies to Fidelity Investments. That's bumped up the amount organizers hope to raise to $750,000.

The UMass Cancer Walk and Run's first business challenge will pit businesses against one another to see who raises the most, with the winner getting a trophy to keep through the year until the next event. Awards will go to the biggest fundraisers in each industry, such as banks or restaurants.

"It's an opportunity for local businesses to get involved and fundraise with some friendly competition," said Beth Whitney, the UMass Cancer Walk and Run event manager.

The business challenge was launched with the help of Deb Covino, a co-owner of Niche Hospitality Group, which has restaurants in Worcester and Leominster. Niche itself will have four teams in the fundraising challenge. Covino said raising money to help fight cancer made great sense for the company.

"Cancer affects so many people," she said.

The UMass Cancer Walk and Run began with around 2,000 participants and has grown to 8,000 to 10,000 in recent years. The event includes a 5-kilometer run and 1- or 5-mile walking routes.

Last year's event raised around $570,000, and over the event's history, roughly $12 million has been raised. The proceeds go to cancer research, clinical trials and patient care at UMass.