LEMONT, Ill., February 16, 2026 – CITGO Lemont Refinery raised a record-breaking $234,220 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association with 288 bowlers from 48 companies competing at the 15th Annual MDA bowling event.
"The MDA bowling event continues to be a powerful reflection of the generosity and support from our sponsors, donors, and contributors who help drive its lasting impact," stated Jim Cristman, CITGO Lemont Vice President and General Manager. Cristman also added that CITGO Lemont Refinery has raised more than $1.5 Million for MDA through its bowling event since its inception.
In 2026, CITGO is commemorating 40 years of partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), a collaboration that began in 1986 and has engaged employees, marketers, retailers and community partners across our network. Here in Lemont, Illinois, the Lemont Refinery is observing its 30th year supporting MDA, with initiatives that bring together employees, volunteers and local partners to fuel MDA’s mission.
“The Muscular Dystrophy Association deeply values our longstanding partnership with CITGO Petroleum Corporation and its affiliates, whose commitment through the I Heart MDA Bowl has helped drive meaningful progress for families we serve through our funding of research, care, and advocacy,” said Ruth Ann Dailey, Chief Development Officer, Muscular Dystrophy Association. “As we recognize Rare Disease Day throughout February and build on more than 75 years of advancing research, care, and advocacy, these activations reflect the power of coming together for a community facing rare neuromuscular diseases—helping ensure people have the support they need.”
Funds raised through the CITGO – MDA partnership events contribute to important medical breakthroughs for people living with any of over 300 rare neuromuscular conditions. In just the past decade more than 30 treatments have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat various neuromuscular diseases, with the most recent one approved in December of 2025. For over 75 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for support and access for families. MDA's mission continues to move forward together for the people it serves to live longer, more independent lives.
About CITGO
CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry and operates under the well-known CITGO brand. CITGO owns and operates three refineries located in Lake Charles, La.; Lemont, Ill.; and Corpus Christi, Texas, and wholly and/or jointly owns 43 active terminals, eight pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,300 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 829,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO ranks as the fifth largest and is one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products, and supplies a network of approximately 4,000 locally owned and independently operated branded retail outlets, all located east of the Rocky Mountains. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has been at the center of progress for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions for 75 years. We unite researchers, clinicians, advocates, and families to speed the pace of discovery, improve access to expert care, and ensure inclusion in every aspect of life. Our mission is simple: give the people we serve the tools and opportunities to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org. Follow MDA on social media on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.