CITGO Lemont Refinery Bowls a Strike for Muscular Dystrophy Association

LEMONT, Ill., May 6, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Every year, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides rehabilitation assistance to thousands of children and adults across the country. To bolster these efforts and help local families fighting muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases, the CITGO Lemont Refinery, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, recently held its sixth bowl-a-thon benefitting the MDA. Held this year at Brunswick Zone XL in Romeoville, this annual event not only raises awareness for muscular dystrophy advocacy and research, but also supports services for Illinois families. 
 
“During my time with the MDA, I have seen these life-saving treatments move from a concept, to a clinical trial, to presenting for FDA approval.  Funds we raise are crucial to ensuring that we get even more of these treatments available to our families that need them to live longer and grow stronger,” said April Elashik, executive director of the MDA Chicagoland offices.
 
In attendance at this year’s bowl-a-thon was Ryan Karlin, the MDA Illinois State Goodwill Ambassador for 2016, and his parents. While they all bowled on a team, his parents spoke during the program about their experience raising a son diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Additionally, this year’s “All You Need is Love”-themed bowling event garnered support from more than 50 local businesses, including Chellino Crane Inc., Kurtz Industrial Fire Service Inc. and Sanchez Group. This community support made the event one of the most successful Refinery bowl-a-thons in recent history.
 
“I have had the privilege of being involved with the MDA for many years and have witnessed firsthand the impact of donated dollars – the MDA is truly making a difference,” said Jim Cristman, vice president and general manager of the CITGO Lemont Refinery. “This year, CITGO is celebrating 30 years of support for the MDA, and partnering with local businesses and organizations strengthens our commitment to the MDA both here in Illinois and across the United States.”
 
The bowl-a-thon is one of many fundraising events held by the CITGO Lemont Refinery in support of MDA life-saving research and social services. In addition to the bowl-a-thon, the Refinery also holds an annual golf outing and supports the Chicago Muscle Team event. In 2015, the CITGO Lemont Refinery raised nearly $600,000 to benefit children and adults served by the Northern Illinois Chapter of the MDA. As the MDA’s largest corporate sponsor, CITGO has raised more than $170 million since 1986 to help provide health care services and support for MDA families nationwide.
 
About the CITGO Lemont Refinery
For over 90 years, CITGO Lemont Refinery has employed more than 750 Chicago area residents on a full-time and contract basis in support of the local economy. In addition to producing high quality fuels for a large portion of the network of nearly 5,500 locally owned CITGO stations across the country, Lemont Refinery employees also make a major positive impact on the community. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer hours and thousands of dollars are given in support of community programs such as Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way and a variety of environmental and preservation programs. Operations at the Lemont Refinery began in 1925 with a major expansion, doubling the facility, in 1933. Over the years, new units were added to meet the demand for a better quality of gas for automobiles, aviation fuel for WWII, and the production of asphalt. Petróleos de Venezuela, PDVSA, acquired 100% ownership of the refinery in 1997 and began operations as CITGO Lemont Refinery. For more information, visit www.citgorefining.com/Lemont.

About CITGO
CITGO is a Houston-based refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.citgo.com.