CVS Health Charity Classic Adds Two-Day Food Festival to 2017 Event Series

PRESS RELEASE

WOONSOCKET, R.I., April 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The CVS Health Charity Classic announced today it has added a two-day family friendly, food festival that will kick off the Charity Classic event series. The inaugural event, appropriately named, Crave RI, will take place the evenings of Thursday, June 15^th and Friday, June 16^th at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in downtown Providence.

Hosting the event in the heart of downtown Providence, families and foodies alike will be able to experience the Charity Classic in a new, fun and filling way.

"The CVS Health Charity Classic has been a staple in the Southeastern New England area for the last 18 years, bringing together non-profits, professional golfers and the local community," said Eileen Howard Boone, Tournament Chairwoman, CVS Health Charity Classic. "By adding Crave RI to the event series, even more individuals and families can take part in this great event by enjoying the Rhode Island culinary culture and helping to give back to those in need locally."

This year's Crave RI event will support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to help reduce food insecurity in the state. According to the USDA, 12 percent of households in Rhode Island struggle to meet their basic food needs, leading to an increased risk for health problems.

Over the two-day event, more than 80 of Rhode Island's top restaurants and 100 beer and wine profiles will sample their products each night, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. The event will run Thursday and Friday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. preceding the golf portion of the CVS Health Charity Classic.

Crave RI will feature premier restaurants and brands from the region including Gracie's, Sam Adams, Matunuck Oyster Bar, Newport Vineyards, Milk Money, Duck and Bunny, Narragansett Brewing Co. and many more. Additional restaurant, brewery, and vineyard announcements will follow.

"We're excited to be a part of the CVS Health Charity Classic event series," said Perry Raso, owner of Matunuck Oyster Bar, Matunuck Oyster Farm and Matunuck Vegetable Farm. "We feel as though Crave RI is a great opportunity for us to showcase Matunuck Oyster Bar's Pond to Plate concept while continuing to build on our connection with the local community and charities alike."

Daily tickets to Crave RI are $20 each, plus applicable fees, and can be purchased online (www.ticketmaster.com/CharityClassic), by phone (1.800.745.3000) or at the Dunkin' Donuts Center Box Office. Each ticket provides access to food and beverage samples from participating restaurants, breweries and wineries, and demonstrations from chefs. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 5^th.

The CVS Health Charity Classic has donated more than $20 million to area non-profits since 1999. For more information, please visit www.cvshealthcharityclassic.com.