CITGO Lemont Refinery Breaks Record with $1,000,000 Fundraiser for MDA

CITGO Lemont Refinery Achieves Milestone with Record Fundraising for MDA

On June 30, 2025, the CITGO Lemont Refinery celebrated a significant achievement by raising an astounding $1,091,642 during its 29th annual Driving for a Cure Golf Outing and the inaugural Driving for a Cure Gala in collaboration with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). These notable events took place on June 23 and 24, and represented a culmination of hard work, dedication, and community engagement.

This year’s golf outing, held at the prestigious Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, attracted an impressive turnout of 375 golfers from 130 companies, eager to support the MDA’s mission. The addition of the gala, boasting over 450 attendees, included inspirational addresses from families affected by muscular dystrophy, notably from National MDA Ambassador Lily Sander. Those who participated were not only playing for fun but also contributing to a cause that profoundly impacts the lives of individuals facing muscular dystrophy and related conditions.

Since the event’s initiation, the Driving for a Cure Golf Outing has generated more than $10.2 million in support of MDA. Jim Cristman, Vice President and General Manager of CITGO Lemont Refinery, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support from employees, businesses, and community members, stating, "The progress of MDA medical breakthroughs is made possible because of events like our outing and the outstanding support from CITGO employees and partners."

The funds raised are instrumental in advancing significant research, facilitating innovative clinical trials, improving care, and accelerating the development of life-altering treatments for muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 associated neuromuscular conditions. Ruth Ann Dailey, Chief Development Officer of MDA, emphasized the impact of such generosity, declaring, "This is an extraordinary show of generosity from the CITGO Lemont Refinery community. This funding is saving lives and giving families hope and more moments together."

CITGO's partnership with the MDA has consistently yielded remarkable results year after year. The efforts during the current year combine both the CITGO-MDA Shamrock Bowl and the Driving for a Cure events, amounting to nearly $1.3 million in total funds raised. Each dollar contributed directly benefits research, care advancements, and advocacy for the neuromuscular community.

About CITGO

CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a leader in the U.S. refining industry, known for its commitment to quality and community support. Operating three refineries in Lake Charles, Louisiana; Lemont, Illinois; and Corpus Christi, Texas, CITGO manages numerous terminals and pipelines, maintaining a significant crude oil processing capacity. Supporting local economies, CITGO provides a wide range of transportation fuels and products through its network of approximately 4,000 independently operated retail outlets.

About the Muscular Dystrophy Association

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has been the foremost voluntary health organization in the United States for people with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for 75 years. MDA is dedicated to accelerating research, advancing care, and providing support to those affected, aiming to empower individuals to lead longer, more independent lives. For more information, visit mda.org.