The New England Center for Children® (NECC®), a global leader in education and research for children with autism, has announced that BJ’s Wholesale Club will return as the presenting sponsor of the Annual NECC 5K. The 19th Annual NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism presented by BJ’S Wholesale Club will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 10 a.m. at the Margaret A. Neary School in Southborough. Scott Schmadeke, executive vice president and chief operations officer for BJ’s, and Chris DeSantis, senior vice president of merchandising, will serve as the 2025 Corporate Co-Chairs for the event.
This professionally timed race is a signature fundraiser supporting NECC’s programs in Massachusetts and New England. Last year, over 1,000 participants helped to raise nearly $324,000 for NECC’s Annual Fund, which supports student activities, specialized equipment and technology, vocational opportunities, professional development, and research.
“We are incredibly grateful for BJ’s Wholesale Club’s continued partnership and generous support of this event,” said Jared Bouzan, MEd, NECC’s chief development officer. “Their commitment to our mission makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children with autism and their families. With BJ’s as our presenting sponsor, we look forward to another successful event that brings our community together to raise awareness and vital funds for autism education and research.”
BJ’s Wholesale Club has been a longtime supporter of NECC in a variety of ways including event sponsorships, in-kind donations, and most recently as a vocational partner. Schmadeke is also a member of NECC’s President’s Council and helped launch the inaugural Young Professionals Group. This extension of the President’s Council includes 14 BJ’s employees representing all parts of the organization.
“BJ’s Wholesale Club has a purpose of taking care of the families that depend on us. The New England Center for Children is a great organization that serves the community in which our team members work and live,” shared Schmadeke. “We wanted to be part of NECC’s important work, and serving as presenting sponsor of the 5K aligns with BJ’s mission. We are proud to return as presenting sponsor of this inspiring event, and our team can’t wait to participate on May 3.”
As Corporate Co-Chairs of the NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism presented by BJ’s Wholesale Club, DeSantis and Schmadeke will help engage their partners in the event. Under their guidance, corporate support increased by more than 40 percent in 2024 over the previous year.
With over 250 locations in 21 states, BJ’s Wholesale Club offers unmatched value on everyday essentials such as fresh foods, produce, household items and home décor as well as convenient shopping options and exclusive membership perks such as gas, optical and travel. BJ’s Wholesale Club is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where it operates. Through local and national charitable partnerships, BJ’s helps local families access essential needs, particularly hunger relief, education, and health and wellness.
The 19th Annual NECC 5K Walk/Run for Autism presented by BJ’s Wholesale Club will happen rain or shine. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m., with a start time of 10 a.m. Registration is $25 per person and includes a race T-shirt and timing number. Following the race, participants will enjoy a cookout lunch. For more information, visit www.necc.org/5K.