CITGO’s Lemont Refinery recently held its 29th annual Driving for a Cure Golf Outing and inaugural Driving for a Cure Gala in partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on June 23-24.
This year’s events resulted in a record-breaking year, with $1,091,642 raised to support MDA’s mission of empowering the people it serves to live longer, more independent lives.
The Driving for a Cure Golf Outing had the support of 130 companies in attendance, with a total of 375 golfers out on all four courses at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club. This year’s new gala addition included more the 450 guests and highlighted inspiring speeches from MDA families, including National MDA Ambassador Lily Sander.
Since its inception, the annual Driving for a Cure Golf Outing alone has raised more than $10.2 million for MDA.
“The progress of MDA medical breakthroughs is made possible because of events like our outing and the outstanding support from CITGO employees, marketers, retailers, vendors and contractors. We’re incredibly grateful for the passion that people have for our MDA partnership,” said Jim Cristman, vice president and general manager at CITGO Lemont Refinery.
Funds raised through the CITGO and MDA partnership events contribute to the funding of critical research, facilitate innovative clinical trials, advance care and accelerate the development of transformative treatments for muscular dystrophy, ALS and more than 300 related neuromuscular conditions.
“Fueling Good isn’t just a tagline, it’s what CITGO and its partners are doing every day for families living with neuromuscular diseases. Their longstanding commitment powers the legacy of progress that Muscular Dystrophy Association has built over the past 75 years. From supporting newborn screening and early intervention and helping bring 25 FDA-approved treatments to market in just two decades, to MDA Care Center, resources, advocacy and MDA Summer Camp and so much more. This is an extraordinary show of generosity from the CITGO Lemont Refinery community. This funding is saving lives and giving families hope, and more moments together,” said Ruth Ann Dailey, chief development officer, MDA.
CITGO and MDA events have a proven successful track record year after year, and the partnership is continuing in its efforts. Just with this year’s CITGO/MDA Shamrock Bowl and Driving for a Cure events combined, the Company has raised nearly $1.3 million. All funds raised will continue to be used to accelerate research, advance care and advocate for the neuromuscular community.
CITGO Petroleum Corp. is a recognized leader in the refining industry and operates under the well-known CITGO brand. CITGO owns and operates three refineries located in Lake Charles, La.; Lemont, Ill.; and Corpus Christi, Texas, and wholly and/or jointly owns 42 active terminals, eight pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants.
