Preferred CMS Participates in 2018 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend Supporting Local Charities

TAMPA, Fla. --  While collections agencies are not generally cast in the best of light by the general public, a local Tampa collections agency is a reminder that they not only recover money for hospitals, physicians, and  other healthcare and government entities but they also give back to the community as well. Several employees and family members of Preferred Collection and Management Services participated in what has become a Tampa tradition in the 41^st Running of the Publix Gasparilla Distant Classic 15K and 5K held in Tampa along beautiful Bayshore Drive.

Through efforts from the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association, volunteers, participants, Publix and many others associated with the event, more than $5.1M has been raised to support Tampa Bay Area youth charitable organizations.

[Pictured Left to right: Jacob Kiefer, Jenny Vargas, Matt Kiefer, Catherine Kiefer, Lisa Guthrie, John Guthrie, Cole Costello, Erin Swartz, Eric Swartz, David Kelley. Not Pictured : Charity Crenshaw, Jennifer Pierce, Caydence Pierce]

The bulk of what is raised goes to the Association’s Heritage Charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and the Friends of Tampa Recreation. Money is also shared with South Tampa Neighborhood Associations, the Cigna Kids Running Program, Publix’s Too Good For Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Classic, the University of Tampa’s Cross-Country & Track Programs and several nonprofits providing volunteers for the event. There are more than 32,000 runners and walkers from all walks of life, representing all 50 states and 10 countries.

Learn more about Preferred Group of Tampa here.