CITGO And Bull Market Award Spring Initiative For Fueling Good

CLARKSDALE, Miss., May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Caring about people and helping to improve the quality of their lives is a deeply embedded value of CITGO Petroleum Corporation and its Fueling Good program. Now in its fourth year of rewarding local heroes, the Fueling Good program has assisted more than 200 non-profit organizations in carrying out their vital missions, from caring for the eyes and ears of the underinsured to providing support for families affected by mental illness to protecting valuable water resources.

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CITGO and local Marketer Bull Market recently recognized the Spring Initiative of Clarksdale, Miss., as a 2012 Winter Fueling Good winner. Providing a daily after-school program to at-risk middle school students across Coahoma County, the organization received $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards which will be used to provide student transportation so that they can take full advantage of the academic support and holistic educational opportunities that promote personal well-being, global exposure, social connectedness and creative expression among students.

"The CITGO gasoline will go a long way in supporting student participation and retention in our program," said Bianca Zaharescu, program director of Spring Initiative. "Every single week, our volunteers drive more than 600 miles to pick students up from their various schools and then drop them off at home after the program. We will be able to continue our commitment to our County's youth, giving them a chance to grow and prosper as they very well deserve. Thanks to the generosity of CITGO and Bull Market, we can continue to provide our students with the transportation necessary for them to experience the positive transformation brought about by their participation in our after-school program."

The rate of poverty is extremely high for those 18 and under in Coahoma County, with more than 52 percent living below the poverty line. As a result, many of the children are faced with significant daily struggles such as low academic performance, anger management issues, and lack of emotional support and role models. Recognizing the need to support the next generation, Spring Initiative's program empowers youth to develop their full potential so that they have the freedom to choose their life's path according to their talents and desires.

"It is a privilege to support Spring Initiative and its program to enrich the lives of at-risk youth in the Clarksdale community," said Sonny Stroud, spokesman for Bull Market. "It is our duty to give a helping hand to those less fortunate, especially a donation like this that helps children pursue a bright future filled with academic prowess and confidence in themselves to achieve their dreams."

The principles of Fueling Good can be seen in all aspects of the CITGO brand. In fact, since the launch of the program in 2009, CITGO has fueled more than a million miles of good through its support of local heroes like Spring Initiative. During the most recent campaign, nearly 1,700 charities entered and nearly 151,000 votes were cast to help determine the current round of Fueling Good winners.

Registration for the next Fueling Good program will open for all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within the CITGO marketing area on Sept. 4, 2012.  To enter for a chance to win up to $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards, or to learn how CITGO and local organizations are making a difference, visit www.fuelinggood.com/. For regular updates and to join the conversation, "Like" CITGO Fueling Good at www.Facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood and view videos of past winners at www.youtube.com/CITGOFuelingGood.

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.

SOURCE CITGO Petroleum Corporation