SAN ANTONIO -- Valero Energy Corp. has launched its annual Children's Miracle Network fundraising campaign in its more than 1,000 U.S. retail locations. From October 11 through November 7, customers can participate in the Miracle Balloon campaign by donating to Children's Miracle Network at any of the company's Diamond Shamrock, Valero, Ultramar and Beacon stores.
Those customers who make a $1 or $5 donation to Children's Miracle Network can add their name to a paper Miracle Balloon, which will then be displayed in the store throughout the campaign. [image-nocss] And, depending on the amount contributed, customers will receive a coupon for a free 99-cent bag of Frito-Lay brand chips with the purchase of a 20-oz. bottle of 7 UP, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist or 7 UP Plus, or a buy-one, get-one free coupon for a 12-pack of 7 UP, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist or 7 UP Plus.
The Miracle Balloon is the symbol of Children's Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids by raising funds and awareness for 170 children's hospitals throughout the country.
While our customers have given generously to help with the hurricane relief and recovery efforts, I'm confident they'll come through again this year with their support of our Miracle Balloon campaign, said Gary Arthur, Valero's senior vice president of retail and specialty products marketing. Because the money stays in the community where it's collected, this campaign is a great way to help local children who are in need of critical healthcare services.
During last year's Miracle Balloon campaign, Valero raised more than $857,000 for 36 children's hospitals located in many of the communities where Valero has retail operations. In the past decade, Valero's retail employees have raised a total of more than $4.5 million for Children's Miracle Network.
San Antonio-based Valero owns and operates 18 refineries throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3.3 million barrels per day, making it the largest refiner in North America. Valero is also one of the nation's largest retail operators with more than 4,700 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.
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