CITGO Partners with Muscular Dystrophy Association in Arkansas to Raise Nearly $30,000
Funds from Passport to a Cure Event Will Support Research and Local Families Dealing with Neuromuscular Disease
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Dec. 14, 2015 /3BL Media/ – Continuing to fuel good in local communities and build on its long-term commitment to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), CITGO Petroleum Corporation, along with its local Marketers and Retailers, recently supported the MDA Arkansas chapter’s Hollywood-themed Passport to a Cure event, raising nearly $30,000 benefiting research and local families dealing with neuromuscular disease. The MDA currently provides services for more than 800 people throughout the state of Arkansas.
The event, held Nov. 13 in Little Rock and sponsored by CITGO, along with local CITGO Marketer Flash Markets Incorporated and a consumer goods distributor, featured entertainment with live music, cocktails and a silent auction. Additionally, a live auction and “fund a need” donation drive took place during dinner.
“Our Passport to a Cure was a great success, largely due to the support of our sponsors,” said Heather Zimmerman, executive director, Arkansas Muscular Dystrophy Association. “Our partnership with CITGO goes far beyond a donation; continued support through Marketers and Retailers, involvement with Miss Arkansas, and providing raffle and silent auction items all contributed to making this event possible.”
The night also featured the presentation of two awards: the Champion of Spirit Award to Stacy Rudnicki, who has been the director of the ALS/adult clinic at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for more than 15 years, and the Champion of Hope Award to Hannah Grace Thomas, who is the Arkansas goodwill ambassador for MDA.
Miss Arkansas Loren McDaniel, who placed as a Top 15 Finalist in the televised Miss America pageant this past September, participated in a meet and greet with attendees. Also in attendance were Miss White River Alyson Tyler, Miss University of Central Arkansas Ashton Purtle, and Miss Ouachita Baptist University Suzie Gresham.
“Supporting the MDA for almost 30 years, it is events like Passport to a Cure that continue to be important to both CITGO and our local Marketers,” said Alan Flagg, Assistant Vice President of Supply and Marketing for CITGO. “Special thanks to local Marketer Flash Markets Incorporated for daily demonstrating what it means to fuel good in the community by supporting such an important organization.”
CITGO employees and its network of Marketers and Retailers have supported the MDA since 1986 and have raised more than $180 million through various events, including golf and bowling tournaments, walk-a-thons and auctions.
To learn more about the MDA and how you can get involved, visit www.mda.org. For more about CITGO’s partnership with the MDA, visit www.citgo.com.
About the Muscular Dystrophy Association
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement. Visit mda.org and follow us at facebook.com/MDAnational and @MDAnews.
About CITGO
CITGO is committed to giving back to the local communities it serves through its network of locally owned CITGO locations. CITGO Marketers and Retailers in Arkansas own and operate more than 175 CITGO locations and are proud to support their communities and organizations. For more information on the positive impact of the locally owned CITGO stations, visit www.fuelinggood.com.
CITGO, based in Houston, is a 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 Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.
