CITGO Recognizes Charities with Chance to Win Free Gas

Carrollwood CITGOs and gas stations nationwide are recognizing the work of local nonprofit charities with a chance to win a gas card valued at $5,000.

“It is the overall CITGO brand rewarding charities,” explained Courtney Keefe, a member of CITGO's digital agency. “Because CITGO operates in Florida, charities there are eligible.”

The 2011 charity categories are environmental, education, energy, and health and well-being.

All charities entering had to submit a photo and an essay describing how they fit the program theme of “Fueling Good.”

The website describes “Fueling Good” as “a philosophy that transcends geographic and socio-economic boundaries, and encourages a unified vision of community involvement and social responsibility.”

Charities were selected based upon how they conformed to CITGO’s four pillars:

• Education and social investment: Sharing the gift of knowledge and understanding
• Energy assistance and conservation: Finding new ways to power our lives
• Environmental protection & restoration: Standing up for the planet
• Health and well being: Making happy hearts and happy minds

Through August 11, submissions will be posted in an online gallery for public voting.  The winner is decided based upon the number of votes and how well the charity fit to the “Fueling Good” theme.

Local charities nominated include Alpha House of Tampa; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Inc; Feeding America Tampa Bay; Meals on Wheels of Tampa; Tampa Bay Harvest Inc.; Tampa Bay Watch Inc., and Tampa Jewish Family Services.

Said Keefe: “These nonprofits would appreciate if you shared this news to help spread the word and earn more votes.”

If you work for or know of a charity worthy of recognition that fits the CITGO criteria, the next entry period begins on September 1 and ends September 28, with voting beginning September 29.

The public can visit www.fuelinggood.com and vote daily for their favorite charity.