Stores across the Southwest exceed 2015 fundraising goal by nearly $100,000.
PHOENIX, July 7, 2015 — More than 260 Western Refining convenience stores throughout the Southwest, including Giant, Mustang, Sun Dial and Howdy’s, raised more than $524,286 during the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s summer camp mobile program, surpassing their original 2015 fundraising goal by nearly $100,000, to help support children fighting muscular dystrophy and related life-threatening diseases that limit muscle strength and mobility.
“What a tremendous accomplishment by the store management, employees, and customers. We exceeded our target significantly due to the generosity of our customers and the efforts of our employees – great job by all,” said R.C. Sprouse, Western Refining vice president – retail. “It is with their generosity that we will be able to help give some amazing kids a chance to build self-confidence and develop independence in an environment where anything is possible at MDA summer camp.”
From April 28 through June 8, Western Refining convenience stores located throughout Arizona, southwest Colorado, New Mexico and southwest Texas sold $1 and $5 pin-up mobiles that offered each customer the opportunity to help send local children affected by neuromuscular diseases to a weeklong MDA summer camp – all at no cost to their families.
During the program, many participating stores creatively displayed the purchased mobiles on their ceilings and walls, visually declaring steadfast support to help children affected by muscle disease get stronger and live longer. Participating stores also helped celebrate the 60th anniversary of MDA’s summer camp program.
“For the kids we serve, MDA summer camp is a week full of fun, laughter and new adventures within a barrier-free environment that also provides a unique opportunity for them to bond with others who understand what it means to live with a neuromuscular disease,” said MDA Executive Director Traci McMillan.
“Without the incredible support from partners like Western Refining and its amazing customers and associates, these important, life-changing summer camp experiences wouldn’t be possible for the families we serve. We are extremely grateful to all those who opened their hearts and their wallets to help make this year’s MDA Summer Camp Mobile Program the best ever.”
This is the fourth year Western Refining has supported MDA through its mobile fundraising programs, raising more than $1 million to help accelerate urgently needed progress for people whose abilities to move are compromised — including everyday abilities like walking, running, hugging, talking and even breathing.
Last year, more than $379,053 was raised through summer camp mobile donations. This year’s goal was set at $425,000.
In addition to giving kids with muscle disease a week of awesome adventures, dollars raised from the mobile program also help MDA push science to its limits in the search for treatments and cures, and support MDA’s life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art clinics and support groups.
About Western Refining
Western Refining Inc. is an independent refining and marketing company headquartered in El Paso, Texas. The refining segment operates refineries in El Paso, and Gallup, New Mexico. The retail segment includes retail service stations, convenience stores, and unmanned fleet fueling locations in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.
Western Refining Inc. also owns the general partner and approximately 66 % of the limited partnership interest in Western Refining Logistics, LP (NYSE:WNRL) and the general partner and approximately 38% of the limited partnership interest in Northern Tier Energy LP (NYSE:NTI).
About MDA
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to saving and improving the lives of people with muscle disease, including muscular dystrophy, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement.
Visit mda.org and follow us at facebook.com/MDAorg and @MDAorg. Learn more about MDA’s mission by watching this video.
Traci McMillan
MDA Executive Director
(480) 496-4530
tmcmillan@mdausa.org