Since 1987, San Antonio-based Valero Energy Corp. has been participating [image-nocss] in the program and has raised $12.5 million to benefit MDA. Last year alone, the participating Valero locations raised $1.3 million. This year, 1,000 Valero locations throughout the country are taking part in the annual fundraiser.
At a time when individuals have to be more selective with charitable giving, the MDA Shamrocks program has proven to be an easy way to touch the lives of thousands, by simply supporting retailers through the purchase of $1 or $5 green and gold shamrock decals. With the participation of more than 43,000 businesses nationwide, the Shamrocks program has raised $191 million to date, in support of MDA's programs.
While raising critical funding to fight muscular dystrophy and related life-threatening diseases, employee and customer morale receive a boost since funds raised by the Shamrocks program stay in the local communities. Also, despite decreased budgets, which typically result in cuts to corporate giving, programs such as Shamrocks Against Dystrophy enable corporations such as Valero to continue supporting philanthropic organizations, the company said.
Funds are applied locally to various areas of focus, including research for treatments and cures, support group sessions, clinic fees, MDA summer camp and mobility and communication devices. MDA seeks no fees from whom it serves, and 78.4 cents of every dollar are dedicated to the association's programs.
Of the thousands of businesses, 1,600 chains participate in Shamrocks, including longstanding project partners such as Valero, Burger King, Albertsons and Lowe's, while large restaurant chain Denny's is new to the effort this year.
Participation in the program by business partners continues to grow every year. Increased involvement by program partners is attributed to the level of service provided by MDA, in addition to the funds being filtered to each local community. "Support of the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy Program has grown exponentially over the past 26 years," said Kevin Moran, senior vice president for MDA. "We have created a turnkey program that is easy to implement and allows businesses the ability to play an active role in their community. Our sponsors look forward to the program every year, and involvement from the community is overwhelming."
Founded in 1950, MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA is the first nonprofit agency to be recognized by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity.
Valero owns and operates 16 refineries throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3.1 million barrels per day, making it the largest refiner in North America. Valero is also one of the nation's largest retail operators with approximately 5,800 retail and branded wholesale outlets in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean under various brand names including Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Shamrock, Ultramar and Beacon.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.