Running for a Reason: Local runner raises money for Children's Hospital Boston

By: ColorTyme | 1,014 Shares 97 Reads

Al Coelho turns daughter's memory into motivation and raises more than $10,000

March 29, 2010 // Franchising.com // PROVIDENCE, R.I. – For Al Coelho, manager of the Providence ColorTyme, running for a cause is not just an exercise in charity but one that hits very close to his heart. Recently completing the New Bedford Half Marathon, Coelho honored the memory of his newborn daughter and made a promise to raise money for Children's Hospital Boston.

Olivia Marie, Coelho's daughter, was born on February 21, 2002, ten weeks prematurely. Devastatingly, however, the infant passed away shortly after delivery. Touched by the compassion and dedication of the South Shore Hospital staff and doctors at Children's Hospital Boston, Coelho turned his loss into inspiration.

"I feel that giving back to the hospital is the least I can do," Coelho said. "When I think about our experience and other families that will be in the same situation, I am more than moved to do anything I can to give my support. The doctors, nurses and staff at Children's Hospital Boston change lives not only through patient care and service, but by giving families hope."

Completing the New Bedford Half Marathon marked Coelho's preparation to run and raise money in the upcoming Boston Marathon. He recently surpassed his goal of raising $10,000 thanks to the help of Ray Bird, owner of the ColorTyme store where Coelho works and vice president of the New England Rental Dealer's Association. NERDA has donated $5,000 to the cause.

About ColorTyme

ColorTyme, Inc., founded in 1979, is America's oldest franchisor of independently owned-and-operated rent-to-own stores. ColorTyme franchisees operate 193 rent-to-own stores in 33 states, and the company's custom-wheels-and-tires franchise brand, RimTyme, operates 24 stores in 12 states. ColorTyme is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and is an independent, wholly owned subsidiary of the largest RTO company in the world, Rent-A-Center (NASDAQ: RCII).

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