For Immediate Release:

Girls on the Run Worcester County has received a $7,500 grant from Rite Aid Healthy Futures to combat health disparities and advance fitness and friendships among adolescent girls.

The announcement comes as the council prepares for their Spring 5K, and end-of-seasone event that is well known for its powerful positivity and celebratory atmosphere.  The 5K is set to take place at Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts on June 10th.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a leader in positive youth development, and its experience-based curriculum creatively integrates running to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident.  The organization currently operates 171 local councils across the United States and Canada, serving nearly 200,000 girls annually.

The latest funding marks the third year of partnership between GOTR and Rite Aid Healthy Futures, the public charity affiliated with Rite Aid that seeks to advance equity and opportunity for children and youth.  The grant supports the two organization's shared commitment to strengthening and empowering local communities.

The grants are funded through Rite Aid's KidCents fundraising program.  Generous Rite Aid customers can round up their purchases online or in-store to support children's health and wellness.  Healthy Futures reinvests the funds into Rite Aid communities through grants benefiting organizations such as Girls on the Run.

"We remain inspired by the commitment of Girls on the Run to create a world where every girl knows and activitates her limitless potential and is free to bodly pursue her dreams," said Matt DeCamara, executive director of Rite Aid Healthy Futures.  "Our partnership will ensure that more girls have access to their innovative programming that addresses health disparities and racial inequities in communities, and ensure girls can reach their full potential and futures."

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