LEMONT, Ill. — In a landmark year for corporate philanthropy, CITGO Lemont Refinery announced it has raised a record-breaking $1,091,642 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through its 29th Annual Driving for a Cure Golf Outing and the inaugural Driving for a Cure Gala, held on June 23–24, 2025.
A Longstanding Legacy of Giving
Since its inception, the Driving for a Cure Golf Outing has raised over $10.2 million, positioning CITGO as a central force in the fight against neuromuscular diseases. The 2025 event welcomed 375 golfers across four courses at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, supported by 130 companies. This year also saw the launch of the first-ever gala event, drawing 450+ guests and featuring keynote speeches from MDA families, including National Ambassador Lily Sander.
“The progress of MDA medical breakthroughs is made possible because of events like our outing and the outstanding support from CITGO employees, marketers, retailers, vendors and contractors. We’re incredibly grateful for the passion that people have for our MDA partnership,” said Jim Cristman, Vice President and General Manager at CITGO Lemont Refinery.
“Fueling Good isn’t just a tagline, it’s what CITGO and its partners are doing every day for families living with neuromuscular diseases. Their longsta
nding commitment powers the legacy of progress that Muscular Dystrophy Association has built over the past 75 years. From supporting newborn screening and early intervention and helping bring 25 FDA-approved treatments to market in just two decades, to MDA Care Center, resources, advocacy, and MDA Summer Camp and so much more. 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,” said Ruth Ann Dailey, Chief Development Officer, Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Fundraising That Fuels Progress
Funds raised from the events contribute directly to:
- Groundbreaking medical research
- Innovative clinical trials
- Expanded care access and advocacy
- Programs like MDA Summer Camp and newborn screenings
The nearly $1.3 million raised in 2025 through the combined Shamrock Bowl and Driving for a Cure events strengthens MDA’s ability to support more than 300 neuromuscular conditions, including ALS and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Impact at Scale
“Fueling Good isn’t just a tagline—it’s what CITGO does every day,” said Ruth Ann Dailey, Chief Development Officer at MDA. “This funding is saving lives, giving families hope, and enabling more moments together.”
CITGO’s commitment underscores its larger corporate social responsibility framework and sets a high benchmark for community-driven fundraising in the energy sector. The refinery’s success exemplifies how private enterprise can align with public health outcomes through structured, large-scale giving.
Source: CITGO Petroleum Corporation
