SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Valero Energy Corp. recently announced a $1.3 million contribution to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon, reported The San Antonio Express-News.
"It's part of our culture to give back to the community," company spokesperson Bill Day told the newspaper.
As a whole, the convenience store industry contributed a total of $4 million this year to the MDA, according to the report. The 43rd annual telethon raised a total of $65 million to support MDA programs to cure muscular dystrophy and related diseases through research, [image-nocss] professional and public health education and other services.
San Antonio-based Valero primarily raised its contribution through its participation in the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program in its 960 company-owned gas stations and convenience stores, Day said.
Valero CEO Bill Klesse serves as national vice president for MDA, providing volunteer counsel in support of the organization's programs.
Shamrocks Against Dystrophy is a nationwide MDA program that collects donations at tens of thousands of locations each year, said Brian Hunter, director of program development for MDA.
"The continued support of Valero and its stores brings us closer to treatments and cures, and sponsors vital MDA assistance like medical clinics and summer camp," MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said in a news release cited by the paper. "Thanks to help like theirs, one day, hope will become reality for 'my kids'."
In other community service and charity news, Mechanicsville, Va.-based FasMart Stores, the Richmond Braves, The Richmond Times Dispatch and the Virginia 529 College Savings Plan recently announced the yearly winner in the FasMart Grand Slam Kid promotion. Each month during the Braves 2008 season, FasMart has recognized students who maintained excellent grades, performed athletically and gave time and energy to their community through volunteer efforts. The yearly winner for 2008 is Lauren Williams (pictured) of Freeman High School. Each monthly winner, including Williams, earned a $500 scholarship administered by the VA 529 College Savings Plan. As the yearly winner, she receives an additional $2,500 scholarship.
Kwik Trip stores within 100 miles of its headquarters in La Crosse are collection sites for Freedom Honor Flight donations. The donations will help fund the organization's flights that take veterans to visit their memorials in Washington. On October 8, the first Honor Flight from the state of Wisconsin will transport 110 veterans, 55 guardians, two physicians from Franciscan Skemp and Gundersen Lutheran medical centers and four paramedics from Tri-State Ambulance.
York, Pa.-based Rutter's Farm Stores recently donated $40,000 to the York County Library System. The donation will support the library system's 2009 summer reading program.
Salina, Kansas-based Green Lantern Express Service Car Washes recently raised $50,000 for its tornado relief fund from public contributions, matched by $50,000 contributed by Green Lantern, Great Plains Manufacturing, the Solomon Corp., Salina Vortex, Pepsi Bottling of Salina and one anonymous donor, reported KSAL-TV.
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.