CITGO and Parent Petroleum Recognize the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps for "Fueling Good" in Community

ROCKFORD, Ill., May 15, 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 Parent Petroleum recognized the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps as a 2012 Winter Fueling Good winner. Devoted to cultivating self-esteem and self-reliance within its members, the Regiment encourages team work, sportsmanship and civic pride through the blending of the arts and athletics.

"The Phantom Regiment provides young people an opportunity to learn a skill, develop a sense of discipline and find passion. Our performances are a demonstration of the hard work and dedication these talented young people can accomplish," said Rick Valenzuela, executive director of the Phantom Regiment. "Thanks to the CITGO Fueling Good program and its generous donation, a large portion of our travel costs, especially during our 60-day national tour, will be reduced. We are all grateful to CITGO and to Parent Petroleum for their support and recognition."

The Phantom Regiment strives to showcase the power of complex music combined with the skill of performance art. The Regiment has received many honors throughout its history, including its 1996 and 2008 titles as Drum Corps International's World Champion. The Phantom Regiment, which is comprised of performers with previous experience as musicians, dancers and color guard members, is a demanding and intense program that includes multiple winter and spring rehearsal camps followed by a 60-day national tour in the summer.

Formed in 1956, the Regiment has undergone a series of changes over the years. The first season for the corps included many parades and contests. As the years passed, the number of contests grew, the distance covered in the tour increased and the Phantom Regiment began to build its reputation and rise within the ranks of drum corps.

"The Fueling Good program is wonderful because it makes a real impact on the way each charity reaches its goals," said Mark Potaczek, vice president of Parent Petroleum. "For example, members of the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps travel all over the nation in order to practice their craft and showcase their talent. Without support, this wonderful organization might not be able to perform as much as they will this summer."

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 the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. 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