CITGO and Muscular Dystrophy Association Partnership Raises Over $30,000 in Arkansas

CITGO Petroleum Corporation announced it has partnered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to support its MDA Arkansas Chapter “Passport to a Cure” event. The Hollywood-themed event collected more $30,000 in funds, which will be used to benefit research and local families dealing with the neuromuscular disease. The MDA currently serves over 800 people in the entire state of Arkansas.

“Passport to a Cure,” held on November 13, 2015 in Little Rock, featured entertainment with live music, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and a “fund a need” donation drive, which took place during the event’s dinner. “Our Passport to a Cure was a great success, largely due to the support of our sponsors,” Heather Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Arkansas Muscular Dystrophy Association, commented in a news release. “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 evening also featured the presentation of two awards: the Champion of Spirit Award, given to Stacy Rudnicki, who has been the Director of the ALS/Adult Clinic at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in over 15 years; and the Champion of Hope Award, given to Hannah Grace Thomas, Arkansas’ Goodwill Ambassador for MDA.

Among other guests, Loren McDaniel – who ranked top 15 in the TV Miss America pageant last September 2015 – participated in a meet and greet with other participants. Miss White River Alyson Tyler, Miss University of Central Arkansas Ashton Purtle, and Miss Ouachita Baptist University Suzie Gresham also attended the event. “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,” stated 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’s partnership with the MDA has come a long way since it started in 1986, with CITGO employees and its network of Marketers and Retailers having raised over $180 million through several events, such as golf or bowling tournaments, walk-a-thons, and auctions.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) funds research worldwide and is the leading nonprofit health agency focused on finding treatments and cures for Muscular Dystrophy (MD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases.