Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K Raises $40K for The Tomorrow Fund
Proceeds from 2021 Event to Benefit Children with Cancer and their families
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Weeks after the successful running of the Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K, University Orthopedics presented a check for $40,000 to The Tomorrow Fund, a non-profit that provides financial and emotional support for children with cancer and their families.
“It's astounding. $40,000 is a tremendous amount of money in general and to raise that much with just one event is just amazing,” said Lisa Abbenante, executive director of The Tomorrow Fund. “Having a fundraiser of this magnitude really makes a tremendous amount of difference in making sure our programs continue in a forward motion."
From left to right: Mandy Malo; Jessica Goss; Kristen Palumbo, Dr. Palumbo’s daughter and UOI Physician Assistant; Anne Palumbo, Dr. Palumbo’s wife; Dr. Phillip Lucas, University Orthopedics Surgeon; Chris Falzone; Lisa Abbenante, Tomorrow Fund executive director; Dr. Aristides Cruz, University Orthopedics surgeon; Dr. Alan Daniels, University Orthopedics surgeon.
The September 19 event along the picturesque East Bay Bike Path was the second running of University Orthopedics’ 5K and the first since the race was renamed in honor of Dr. Mark Palumbo, a renowned University Orthopedics spine surgeon who passed away in 2019. In addition to being a highly regarded doctor, he was also extremely active in the community. The Palumbo family has supported The Tomorrow Fund and held active roles with the Providence, RI-based charity for many years.
"Everyone who showed up for the race was there for a purpose. Whether that purpose was to honor Mark or to support an organization that is so passionate about helping kids with cancer and their families, we are thankful for all who contributed,” said Anne Palumbo, Dr. Palumbo’s wife. “Mark had a great deal of respect for The Tomorrow Fund. As a family, we are grateful for University Orthopedics to host this event and keep Mark's legacy going.”
Funded entirely by the generosity of donors, The Tomorrow Fund provides vital support for children with cancer and their families - from parking fees to housing and travel assistance. The organization’s ultimate goal is to make a frightening and traumatic experience a little less daunting for all members of the family.
From Gray Matter Marketing, which handled race-day operations, to local businesses and organizations which made monetary and raffle donations, University Orthopedics’ partners were vital to the success of this year’s race.
“It is part of University Orthopedics’ mission to give back to our community and it’s truly humbling to see hundreds of people help us fulfill that mission,” said University Orthopedics President Dr. Edward Akelman. “This event was a huge success thanks to our dozens of partners who stepped up in not only helping us honor our late colleague, whom we profoundly miss, but also helping The Tomorrow Fund carry out its mission of helping children with cancer and their families,”
About the Race
More than 300 people took part in the Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K, which started at UOI’s Kettle Point campus in East Providence and continued along the East Bay Bike Path with beautiful waterside views of the Providence skyline. John Schilkowsky won the men’s race and Andrea Gregory won the women’s race. Their names will be placed on a plaque that was dedicated in Dr. Palumbo’s name prior to the start of the race.
Event Overview
University Orthopedics is pleased to announce The University Orthopedics 5K will now be called The Mark Palumbo Memorial 5K. The event, open to runners and walkers alike, will be held on Sunday, September 19th, 2021.
Each year, the race raises money for a local charity with the proceeds from this year’s race going to The Tomorrow Fund - a non-profit organization which provides financial and emotional support for children being treated for cancer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and their families.
Dr. Mark Palumbo, a renowned spine surgeon, passed away in September 2019. He was not only a beloved member of the University Orthopedics family, he was a highly regarded pillar of the community.
“Dr. Palumbo improved the lives of countless patients throughout his esteemed career. He was not only an accomplished surgeon but a true leader and someone who inspired many in the field of medicine," said University Orthopedics’ President Dr. Edward Akelman.
The race starts and finishes at the new University Orthopedics Kettle Point Avenue campus and runs along the East Bay Bike Path, with waterside running and views of the Providence skyline throughout. The timed road race starts at 9:00 AM and is open to runners and walkers of all speeds. For safety reasons, pets are not allowed on the course.
Unable to attend the race but still looking to support the Tomorrow Fund?
Important Pre-Race Information
Registration and Bib Pick-Up
2021 registration is now open.
Bib Pick-Up: 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m. on race day at 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence, RI (map)
All participants must present a photo ID to pick-up their bib. Participants may pick-up for friends and family, but must provide a copy of the ID or a photo of the ID on their phone for verification.
Entry Fees
Thru August 31 - $30
September 1-18 - $35
There will be no on-site registration on race morning.
Military Discount
The University Orthopedics 5k extends its thanks to those serving our country. We invite active, reserve members and veterans of all military branches to email us at info@graymattermarketing.com to receive a discounted registration.
Race Day Information
The University Orthopedics 5k is open to runners and walkers. The race is timed and starts on the University Orthopedics campus at 1 Kettle Point Avenue, before turning onto Veteran's Memorial Parkway, then down Squantum Road and onto the East Bay Bike Path. From there, the race heads north on the bike path with beautiful waterside views of the Providence Skyline, before turning back onto Veteran's Memorial and heading south for a finish in the Kettle Point campus.
There will be one water station on the course at mile 1.5.
Parking
Event parking is available onsite at the start/finish at University Orthopedics at 1 Kettle Point Ave, East Providence. Additional parking can be found at Butler Hospital (map). We encourage participants to carpool and arrive early.
Weather
The University Orthopedics 5k is a rain or shine event. In the event of extreme and severe weather, the race may be delayed as race officials consult public safety officers. If there is more than a short delay, if conditions persist, or the forecast calls for extreme weather, race officials reserve the right to alter or cancel the race. Please check this website, the Facebook event page and your email before the race for any changes or cancellations.
Recap of 2019 Inaugural Race
Click here to learn more about the 2019 University Orthopedics 5k.
Additional Information
Refund Policy – 30 days ahead
Absolutely no requests after: August 19th, 2021. Registered runners may request a full-refund of their paid fee up to 45 days prior to the event. No refunds will be granted in the final 45 days before the event. Please contact us about refunds at info@graymattermarketing.com.
Registration Transfers – One Week
Absolutely no requests after: September 10th, 2021. A request must be sent no later than one week prior to the event by the runner who purchased the registration with the name, adress, email, gender and date of birth of the runner taking their place to info@graymattermarketing.com.
Additional Questions?
If you have any additional questions, please review our website or do not hesitate to contact us at: info@graymattermarketing.com
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