Big Names Partner with Nonprofit to Support National 5K

Jan. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- The Cupid’s Chase 5K Run is the largest, national, simultaneous charity 5K Run in the country held by any nonprofit organization. With 5K’s held in 25 cities across 10 states on the same day and same time, the Cupid’s Chase offers participants great prizes and giveaways, certified USATF courses and even the opportunity to make a love connection by choosing an “Available” or “Unavailable” shirt to wear.  And yes, there have been love connections made as a result of this event over the years.

This year, the organization gained support from Geraldo Rivera as the National Honorary Cupid’s Chase 5K Run Chair.    It has been forty years since Rivera exposed the abuse and neglect at the Willowbrook State School and since that time, great strides have been made towards the de-institutionalization movement and Community Options is one of the pioneers of this movement.

“Talk about running for daylight. Look how far we have all come from the dark days of the grim institutions. Now nobody is hiding; we're out running and celebrating our shared desire to embrace everyone, and regardless of disability, give all a share of the American dream,” says Rivera.

Rivera is not alone in his support of Community Options’ mission of supporting people with disabilities.  Peter Shankman, Founder of Help a Reporter Out™ and Social Media Expert is the Honorary Chair of all of the New York Cupid’s Chase 5K Runs.

“"I run because I know the benefits of it. I also know how much physical fitness matters in our country. I'm thrilled that I can help support the 2012 Cupid Chase, a great cause with great results,” says Shankman.

Other notable support for Community Options and the Cupid’s Chase 5K Run includes Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina, Chuck Franco, First Gentleman of New Mexico, Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers, Reed Timmer and Chris Chittick, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman of Connecticut, First Lady Anita Perry, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon of Illinois, Scott Brown, United States Rowing Para Olympian, First Lady Mary Pat Christie of New Jersey and Amy and David Bybee, Professional Athletes out of Kentucky.

“We are amazed at how fast this event has spread across the country and we are proud to call this event our organization’s headline charity event,” said Robert Stack, Founder, President and CEO of Community Options. “We hope that participants realize the dramatic impact they are having on improving the lives of people with disabilities across the country by simply registering for the event,” he added.

The Cupid’s Chase 5K Run will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2012. To register for the event, you can visit www.comop.org/cupidschase.  To join the Cupid’s Chase on Facebook, you can visit www.facebook.com/cupidschase.

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Community Options is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by Robert Stack that works to develop homes and employment for people with disabilities. Community Options operates in 37 cities across 10 states supporting thousands of people with disabilities and their families with the help of over 2,500 employees.