CITGO Raises $2.3M to Aid MDA, Neuromuscular Patient Community
The Texas-based petroleum company has raised $260M since 1986
CITGO raised $2.3 million this year to help advance research, improve patient care, and bolster advocacy efforts for the neuromuscular community, continuing its long-standing support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), .
Throughout the year, employees of the Houston, Texas-based petroleum company, along with vendors, contractors, marketers, and retailers held a host of fundraisers.
Golf events in Lemont, Illinois; Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Corpus Christi, Texas each generated more than $400,000, while a Houston golf outing raised some $880,000. A bowling fundraiser in Lemont collected more than $110,000.
“Our business partners and communities have always shown the immense depth of their generosity for MDA at these events,” Carlos Jorda, CITGO president and CEO, said in a press release. “This year’s record fundraising results combined with our long-standing partnership with MDA demonstrate our continued commitment to MDA’s critical mission.”
The nonprofit MDA supports those with muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and related neuromuscular disorders. For more than 70 years, it’s worked to advance research and care, and to advocate for patients and their families and caregivers.
CITGO’s support of the MDA goes back to 1986. Since then, the company has raised more than $260 million for the organization’s research grants, resource center, and care center network, comprised of medical institutions globally.
Funds also support the MDA Summer Camp, which permits children with neuromuscular disorders to participate in summer camps across the U.S. at no cost to their families. Activities include horseback riding, dancing, swimming, and zip lining, and campers have opportunities to form friendships and learn key life skills.
In addition to golf and bowling tournaments, past CITGO fundraising efforts have included raffles, walk-a-thons, auctions, and a river cruise. The company has also participated in the MDA Muscle Team and the MDA Toast to Life, as well as its Hollywood-themed Passport to a Cure and MDA Shamrocks campaign.
“We are so grateful to CITGO employees, marketers, retailers, vendors, and contractors for making critical contributions that continue to lead to breakthroughs in treatment and care,” said Donald S. Wood, PhD, MDA president. “We could not have made this progress without the funding from our longstanding partners at CITGO.”
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