Gas Money for Good

Since 2009, CITGO's Fueling Good program has awarded tens of thousands of dollars worth of gasoline to organizations making a difference in communities around the country. This summer, 12 non-profits will receive $5,000 CITGO gas cards to help support their work. Voting is now open for the 2011 contest on CITGO’s website and will continue through August 11.

Each entry is focused on one of four categories: increasing literacy and education, providing energy assistance and conservation to their communities, protecting and restoring natural habitats, and helping to build healthy, happy lives.

"The principles of Fueling Good, to support those making a difference in the lives of others and improving their communities, are central to everything we do at CITGO," Daniel Cortez, vice president of government and public affairs at CITGO, said.

31 Connecticut organizations are in the running this year, including several in our area.

The Stamford Public Education Foundation is a part of a national network of local non-profits that advocate for students in the public school systems. In Stamford, SPEF provides mentoring and college readiness opportunities for middle and high schoolers, and literacy programs at the elementary school level.

is also in the running for their programs providing educational opportunities for elementary school students with learning disabilities.

The Norwalk Senior Center, including Meals on Wheels, is another candidate to receive gas cards from CITGO to support their work in the community, as is the Kennedy Center Inc. in Trumbull, a rehabilitation agency that supports over 1,500 children and adults with disabilities through vocational, residential, educational, therapeutic, social and recreational programs.

Two Westport organizations have entered CITGO Fueling Good this summer. ITNCoastalCT in Westport, an organization that provides reliable and affordable transportation services for seniors, and Simply Smiles, dedicated to providing bright futures for impoverished children.

In the third year of the Fueling Good program, the CITGO team is able to look back at past winners and see how these gift cards are helping organizations to reach more people and continue their work.

“One winner from 2009, a mobile literacy program called Bess the Book Bus, was able to extend its outreach from Florida, across the United States, and donate more than 60,000 books to children in need in just one year,” Cortez said.  “Fueling Good challenges entrants to think just how far a gallon of gas can go, and just how many lives it can help change.”

Beginning on September 1, charities can enter for the fall contest and a chance to win one of 12 additional $5,000 CITGO gift cards. Fall voting will take place between September 29 and October 27.