The CITGO Lake Charles Refinery raised more than $750,000 to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) at its 41st annual MDA Golf Classic, an annual golf fundraiser.
Since 1985, CITGO Lake Charles has raised $8.5 million for the MDA. The total amount raised this year — $756,800 — set a new record.
As in past years, the money will bolster MDA’s mission to help people with neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy through research, education, multidisciplinary care, and advocacy. These efforts are aimed at advancing treatments and programs that can improve quality of life for people with neuromuscular diseases.
MDA credits CITGO support for mission progress
“Progress in neuromuscular disease research, care, and advocacy is only possible through committed partners like the CITGO Lake Charles Refinery, whose longstanding support continues to move our mission forward for the families we serve,” Ruth Ann Dailey, MDA’s chief development officer, said in an organization press release.
“Together, we’ve seen accelerated progress across the neuromuscular field, helping lead to more than 30 [U.S. Food and Drug Administration]-approved treatments in just the past decade and creating new options and brighter futures for people living with these diseases,” Dailey added.
CITGO is a Houston-based petroleum company that owns and operates three refineries and supplies a network of about 4,000 locally owned and independently operated CITGO-branded retail outlets in the U.S. The company has a longstanding history of supporting the MDA through various fundraising efforts, one of which is the Lake Charles Refinery’s MDA Golf Classic.
This year’s event was held at The National Golf Club of Louisiana in Westlake, Louisiana, on May 4. It included a day of golf, followed by a live auction and awards ceremony. More than 250 people participated, according to the MDA.
“The CITGO MDA Golf Classic is once again the largest fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the state of Louisiana,” said Sterling Neblett, vice president and general manager of the Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex. “We are incredibly appreciative of our generous vendors and the camaraderie we share, along with our employees who support the event through contributions and volunteering their time to help make the event a success.”
Teen with Duchenne shares hope for treatment progress
Also at the event was 15-year-old MDA ambassador Jose Quezada, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at age 4.
“Living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be challenging every day, but I’m grateful for the support of my parents, my siblings, my teachers, and my community who help me keep moving forward,” Quezada said.
“Seeing people come together to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association gives me hope that kids like me will continue to have more treatments, more opportunities for independence, and one day a cure,” he added.
CITGO hosts several other events and fundraisers to support MDA nationwide. Earlier this year, a bowling event hosted by the CITGO Lemont Refinery in Illinois raised more than $230,000.
In October, the company will celebrate 40 years of partnership with the MDA with its annual two-day golf tournament in Houston.
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