CHICAGO, March 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CITGO Marketers and Retailers nationwide are transforming their stores with thousands of MDA Shamrocks to raise awareness and funds for the ongoing fight to end muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases that severely weaken muscle strength and mobility. The St. Patrick's Day-themed program, going on now through March 31, asks customers to support MDA by stopping in at any one of the participating locally-owned stores and purchasing an MDA Shamrock for $1, $5 or more.
This year marks 31 years of the CITGO and MDA national partnership. CITGO has raised more than $200 million in vital support through various events and programs, including golf tournaments, distinguished events and the Shamrock's program.
"CITGO Marketers, Retailers and their employees know that selling MDA Shamrocks directly helps to improve lives in our communities and build a stronger future for MDA families," said Alan Flagg, CITGO Assistant Vice President of Supply and Marketing. "Each year, we are thankful that these locally-owned stores continue to open their hearts to this important cause, and we are so proud that their commitment to MDA families, and the benefits this program provides them, continues to grow year after year."
Throughout the campaign, customers are invited to support MDA families by adding paper Shamrocks to their purchase at check-out. The Shamrocks are then displayed in unique and creative ways at the stores to showcase support.
"MDA is honored and inspired by the continued commitment of CITGO employees, Marketers, Retailers and their customers to help MDA families live longer and grow stronger through our Shamrocks program," said MDA Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Karen Lewis Alexander. "Our national partnership with CITGO is 31 years strong and their generous support is giving MDA kids and adults the opportunity to live unlimited."
Last year, CITGO raised $1.3 million during the MDA Shamrocks program. Some of the top CITGO- branded Marketers and Retailers include:
- Han-Dee Hugo's – Wilmington, N.C.
- United Refining CO of PA – Warren, Penn.
- C.N. Brown Company – South Paris, Maine
- American Gas & Oil (AGO) – Sparta, Mich.
- Henny Penny Stores – Greater Connecticut
- Pilot Flying J – Knoxville, Tenn.
- Consumers Petroleum of CT, Inc. – Trumbull, Conn.
- Automated Petroleum & Energy Co., Inc. (APEC) – Brandon, Fla.
- Clifford Fuel Company – Marcy, N.Y.
- Flash Oil Company of Arkansas – West Memphis, Ark.
Funds raised through MDA Shamrocks sales help give thousands of children the opportunity to experience the best week of the year where anything is possible at MDA Summer Camp at no cost to their families. Donations also help MDA find research breakthroughs across neuromuscular diseases; provide care for kids and adults from day one; and empower its families with services and support.
To learn more about the 2017 MDA Shamrocks program and how to get involved, visit mda.org/shamrocks.
About CITGO
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.
About MDA
MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America.
Learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion the cause at mda.org.
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SOURCE Muscular Dystrophy Association
