CITGO Fall Fueling Good Program Recognizes Twelve Charities

HOUSTON, Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Doing good in local communities is a core value woven throughout CITGO Petroleum Corporation and one that is uniquely demonstrated through its Fueling Good Program. Now in its third year, Fueling Good recognizes and rewards local heroes within their communities for the good works they do, from caring for the needy to providing food for the hungry to assisting kids who need dental care.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110426/PH89704LOGO )

As part of its fall campaign, CITGO is awarding $60,000 in Gift Cards to 12 charities to help extend their Ripples of Good and the impact of their work. The Fueling Good campaign has grown steadily over the years, with more than 1,500 charities entered in the program and more than 102,000 votes cast to help determine the current round of winners.

"CITGO, along with the independent owners and operators of the more than 6,000 locally owned CITGO stations, is proud to present the Fall 2011 Fueling Good winners," said Daniel Cortez, vice president, government and public affairs with CITGO. "The principle of Fueling Good is central to how we at CITGO run our business. We understand that giving back to those in need and helping the individual communities in which we and our local station owners operate is one of the core values of our business. We look forward to watching all of the Ripples of Good grow through the strength of these great charities."

The 12 winners in the Fall 2011 Fueling Good program are spread across the CITGO footprint, from Wisconsin to Florida and Pennsylvania to Texas:

• Racine Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps – Located in Wisconsin, The Racine Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps provides a quality performing ensemble, while emphasizing education and instilling a strong work ethic and sense of promise in today's youth.
• Head Start of Fayette County – This charity provides comprehensive child development programs designed to assist low-income families with young children in Pennsylvania. The organization also supports women during their pregnancy through education and assistance.
• CFS Knowledge Center, Inc. – This Florida organization provides those afflicted with Severe Fatigue, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Fibromyalgia (FM) and related illnesses with a variety of resources to deal with these complex conditions and assist them on the road to wellness.
• Keep Kids Connected – Keep Kids Connected was created by a young cancer survivor in Texas to help children stay connected to family and friends while they are undergoing treatment for cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.
• Travelers Aid – Based in Pittsburgh, this organization provides people who are facing financial difficulties with bus passes or gas cards to remove the transportation barriers to obtaining and retaining employment.
• Canine Castaways – Canine Castaways, Inc. is a Florida-based volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing dogs in need and encouraging responsible pet care, while also increasing awareness of the consequences of pet overpopulation through educational programs and materials.
• HEAR US Inc. – Based in Illinois, HEAR US Inc. raises awareness and visibility for homeless children across the country through education and assistance programs.
• Lehigh Valley Health Network Miles of Smiles – The Miles of Smiles mobile dental clinic helps children in the Allentown, Pa., area who would not otherwise have access to dental care by providing them with teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, X-rays, cavity treatments, simple extractions, and education on proper brushing, flossing and healthy eating.
• Southern Sustainable Resources – This non-profit environmental organization works to promote conservation, education, community action, public engagements, and scientific economic and social research in South Carolina.
• Pink Ribbon Riders – Located in Michigan, the Pink Ribbon Riders' mission is to promote breast cancer awareness in the motor sports industry for both men and women, while raising funds to provide direct financial assistance for those battling the disease.
• ACHIEVA – ACHIEVA serves more than 10,000 individuals with disabilities and their families in western Pennsylvania by providing lifelong support, including early intervention therapies and in-home support for medically fragile senior citizens.
• UNC Dance Marathon – UNC Dance Marathon is a student organization that raises awareness and funds to benefit North Carolina Children's Hospital.

"We hope that rewarding CITGO Gift Cards to help these local charities operate and continue to serve their constituents during these tough economic times is the first step in a greater effort to benefit the local communities CITGO and our local Marketers and Retailers serve," added Cortez. "By promoting these local heroes, we hope that they will be an inspiration to others. From the local station owners and operators, to corporate and refinery employees, CITGO is there to help Fuel Good every step of the way."

As the Ripple of Good continues, so does the opportunity for more charities to be recognized and rewarded through the Winter Fueling Good program. Registration for all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within the CITGO marketing area opens on Dec. 1, 2011, and ends on Jan. 11, 2012. Online public voting runs from Jan. 12 to Feb. 9 to determine the next 12 winners, which will each receive $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards.  

The principle of Fueling Good can be seen in all aspects of the CITGO brand, from the quality fuel and exceptional service provided at locally owned CITGO stations to the continuous fundraising and community efforts of local CITGO employees, Marketers and Retailers. Doing good is part of the CITGO DNA and is aligned with the social development principles of the CITGO shareholder, Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

To enter your charity for a chance to win up to $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards and learn how CITGO and local organizations are making a difference, visit http://www.fuelinggood.com/. For regular updates and to join the conversation, "Like" CITGO Fueling Good at www.Facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood and view videos of past winners at www.youtube.com/CITGOFuelingGood.

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products.  The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information visit http://www.citgo.com/.

SOURCE CITGO Petroleum Corporation