Babson Capital to Serve as Presenting Sponsor for Levine Children’s Hospital Fundraiser

An entrepreneurial investment firm known for its “out-of-the-box thinking” has stepped forward to support one of the most innovative and comprehensive children’s hospitals in the Southeast Levine Children’s Hospital (LCH).

The local office of Babson Capital Management LLC has signed on as the new presenting sponsor for the 13th Annual Hopebuilders 5K Run/Walk, a signature fundraiser for LCH. Since its inception, the event - which attracted more than 900 participants last year - has raised millions of dollars to support children’s healthcare in the Carolinas.

Babson Capital has a history of supporting the communities it serves, committing generously to enhance programs that benefit children. In 2008, the organization has donated $325,000 to non-profit organizations that serve its three main business communities of Springfield and Boston, Mass, and Charlotte.

 “We’re pleased to expand initiatives that allow us to make a greater impact in the communities where we live and work,” said Babson Capital President Thomas Finke. “We have targeted organizations where Babson Capital can provide significant financial support and where our employees have opportunities to volunteer and personally participate in other ways.”

In addition to sponsoring Hopebuilders, Babson Capital has organized a corporate team to participate in the 5K. Team members are fundraising online  and will also volunteer the day of the event.

The Hopebuilders 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday, October 11 at 8 a.m. The event, which begins and ends at Morehead Medical Plaza on the campus of Carolinas Medical Center, features a new route through Myers Park, as well as a kids Fun Run and special appearances from Sir Purr, the Knights “Homer,” the Chick fil A cow, and media partners Lite102.9 and WSOC-TV. For details, visit http://www.hopebuilders5k.org/