LAP Petroleum, Miss Virginia 2013 and CITGO Celebrate Virginia's Asian Indian Culture

CHESAPEAKE, Va., May 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- LAP Petroleum, CITGO Petroleum Corporation and Miss Virginia 2013, Desiree Williams, recently hosted the Eighth Annual Taste of India festival at Old Dominion University's TED Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, Va. on Sunday, April 27.

"We have been actively involved in Taste of India for the past eight years," said LAP Groups President Sanjay Patel. "LAP Petroleum is constantly involved in community outreach programs in the Hampton Roads and surrounding communities, championing causes such as feeding the needy and caring for the homeless and residents of nursing homes. It is our passion to make a difference in the lives of others."

Each year, more than 7,000 attendees gather at the TED Constant Convocation Center to enjoy traditional Asian Indian food, dance, clothing and art while raising money for charitable organizations in the Hampton Roads community. This year, LAP, CITGO representatives and Miss Virginia greeted attendees and encouraged children to enter the art competition, which awarded prize money and a book to first and second place winners in two age categories.

"At Taste of India 2014, I had the opportunity to interact with children and experience rich cultural traditions," said Williams. "I always look forward to every chance I have to inspire youth and meet families who lead lifestyles that promote physical and emotional well-being. I am honored to be involved in Taste of India, and it was so fun to work with the children and really get hands-on experience with Indian culture."

CITGO has partnered with the Miss America Organization to raise awareness of key issues surrounding education and social investment, energy assistance, environmental protection and conservation, and health. CITGO and its network of local Marketers and Retailers have held several events with local Miss America state winners, including the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival with Miss Virginia; anti-bullying presentations at Long Island schools with Miss New York; and the MDA Jersey Auction with local Miss Virginia titleholders.

LAP Petroleum owns and operates 22 CITGO gas stations across Virginia. A quality supplier dedicated to growth, its community and wholesalers while providing quality fuel, LAP Petroleum's products and services are designed to exceed its customers' expectations. LAP Petroleum supplies top industry fuels ranging from different gasoline grades for everyday use to quality diesel fuel.

CITGO is committed to giving back to the local communities it serves through its network of nearly 6,000 locally owned CITGO branded locations. Local CITGO Marketers and Retailers, such as LAP Petroleum, own and operate approximately 270 locations across Virginia and are proud to support their neighborhoods through events like Taste of India 2014.

Based in Houston, CITGO 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.

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SOURCE CITGO