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Our mission is to empower people living with neuromuscular diseases to live longer, more independent lives.
$695,000 Raised at 40th Annual CITGO Lake Charles Refinery Golf Classic to Benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Lake Charles, La. – Monday, June 23, 2025 – The CITGO Lake Charles Refinery hosted its 40th annual CITGO MDA Golf Classic, raising a record-breaking $695,000 to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Funds from the tournament and related initiatives will help accelerate research, advance care and empower families living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases.
This year’s event also celebrated MDA’s 75th anniversary, highlighting decades of progress in research, care, and advocacy. More than 250 participants gathered at the Lake Charles Country Club for a day of golf, live and silent auctions, and awards.
MDA Ambassador Benjamin Willis, 18, shared his journey with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which he was diagnosed with at age two. At age ten, he began receiving Spinraza at an MDA Care Center—one of the first in Texas to offer the treatment—thanks to MDA-funded research. Since then, Benjamin has maintained his strength and abilities, a breakthrough he calls nothing short of life changing. Now an engineering student at Texas A&M University, he credited MDA Summer Camp with giving him the courage and confidence to live independently with the support of caregivers.
“MDA has been with me every step of the way,” said Benjamin. “I wouldn’t have had the tenacity to ask for help from total strangers if it weren’t for MDA Summer Camp. Everything was made accessible, and I was able to do everything I wanted to do. It gave me the confidence to believe that living independently could really work. MDA Camp has been one of the most impactful, magical experiences of my life.”
Since 1985, CITGO Lake Charles has raised more than $7.7 million for MDA by engaging vendors and partners in support of its mission to empower people with neuromuscular conditions to live longer, more independent lives.
“The CITGO MDA Golf Classic is once again the largest fundraiser for MDA in the state of Louisiana,” said Sterling Neblett, Vice President and General Manager of the Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex. “We are so appreciative of our generous vendors as we enjoyed the comradery and opportunity to strengthen those connections while supporting a wonderful cause.”
“For 75 years, the Muscular Dystrophy Association has fueled scientific breakthroughs and provided critical support to families, and we would not be where we are today without dedicated partners like the CITGO Lake Charles Refinery,” said Ruth Ann Dailey, Chief Development Officer of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. “The legacy of this golf classic is a testament to what long-standing commitment can achieve. Together with CITGO, we are building momentum to transform the future for the neuromuscular community.”
Funds raised help drive research, enhance care, and elevate awareness for the neuromuscular community.
Media contact press@mdausa.org.
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 42 active terminals, eight pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,300 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 807,000 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) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular conditions. For 75 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating support and inclusion of families living with neuromuscular disease. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube
About Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 75th Anniversary
In 2025, the Muscular Dystrophy Association proudly marks 75 years legacy, impact and momentum in the fight against neuromuscular diseases. Since our founding, MDA has been at the forefront of research breakthroughs, providing access to comprehensive care, and championing the rights of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and over 300 other neuromuscular diseases. This milestone has been made possible by generations of dedicated support from people living with neuromuscular disease, their families, researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and donors—who boldly drive our mission forward. As we look ahead, we remain committed to honoring this legacy, building on the impact we’ve made together, and continuing our momentum toward transformative progress for people living with neuromuscular disorders. Learn more at MDA75.org.
