The Night Ministry Wins Free CITGO Gasoline for Fueling Good across Chicago

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Night Ministry of Chicago is the most recent grand prize winner in the Fueling Good program presented by CITGO Petroleum Corporation. In recognition of its outstanding contribution to supporting Chicago’s homeless and vulnerable populations through its Health Outreach Bus, The Night Ministry received a $2,500 fuel donation to keep the bus fueled through the harsh winter months ahead. The prize was presented by Representative Greg Harris of the Illinois House of Representatives and Barry Trilla of local fuel supplier World Fuels.

Launched in June 2009, Fueling Good is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of people across the country who go above and beyond to provide a positive impact on the lives of others. Based on the underlying principals of solidarity and social development held by CITGO and its shareholder, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Fueling Good contest invites local heroes to submit their stories of doing good in their communities. From July through December, five finalists will be selected from the entries for a monthly online vote, which will help decide the winner of a year’s supply of fuel from CITGO.

As the grand prize winner, The Night Ministry’s Health Outreach Bus can continue its important work in the streets of Chicago. This specially-equipped bus provides medical exams and treatment, rapid HIV testing, counseling and guidance from trained volunteers, and even a hot meal and shelter from the tough Chicago weather.

“Our staff and volunteers are on the front lines supporting the most vulnerable people in Chicago each night,” said Paul W. Hamann, President of The Night Ministry. “Most of the people we reach are isolated from society and lack access to simple health care and screening that most of us take for granted. Through the Health Outreach Bus, we are able to provide vital care, such as rapid HIV testing and diabetes monitoring, and also a place for people to talk and receive guidance and support to help get them back on their feet. Simply reaching out a friendly hand, providing a listening, caring ear, and asking how we can help makes a world of change to individuals who are often ignored and under-served.”

Since 1976, The Night Ministry has been dedicated to serving at-risk people across Chicago. A team of more than 400 volunteers and donations from across the community ensure that under-served people of any age, faith, and cultural background receive access to care and programs to help turn their lives around. This year alone, the organization has helped more than 5,750 people.

In addition to the services offered through the Health Outreach Bus, the organization provides support and guidance to at-risk teens and young adults, including crisis intervention, counseling and referrals to shelters and rehab programs. The Night Ministry also provides shelter to homeless youth. For many people, the services provided by The Night Ministry are a last hope.

“The fuel provided by CITGO will mean that we can focus more resources into our services and not have to worry about fueling the Health Outreach Bus,” added Hamann. “It will have a tremendous impact on the lives of homeless and underprivileged individuals across Chicago and we are extremely grateful for the support of CITGO.”

Four other Fueling Good finalists were recognized as local heroes in their own communities. This month’s other finalists, who received a $50 CITGO gift card, include:

• Camp Horizon: A Georgia-based summer camp which helps children afflicted by abuse and neglect to break the cycle of violence with a carefree camping experience and opportunities to improve their self-esteem.
• K.I.X.: A youth counseling program coordinated across Miami, Fla. to help young people grow their knowledge and faith and make correct life decisions. Tutoring, guidance and counseling helps participants avoid gangs, drugs and violence, and ensures access to the tools needed for a successful life.
• Steve Kubick of New Orleans: After a decade in the movie industry, Mr. Kubrick moved to New Orleans to help residents recovering from Hurricane Katrina. He uses his expertise in contracts and financial matters to help rebuild devastated areas so that local children may have a school to call their own.
• The Dinner Garden: A San Antonio, Texas-based program which provides seeds to help American gardeners improve nutrition, help eliminate hunger, and reduce the need for public assistance. To-date, more than 12,000 home gardeners in 39 states have received free fruit and vegetable seeds.

“It’s such an honor to be involved in Fueling Good to give back to The Night Ministry and its volunteers for their hard work and dedication to needy people across our community,” said Barry Trilla, Senior Vice President with the Texor Division of World Fuels Services, a Chicago distributor of CITGO fuels. “The services they provide through the Health Outreach Bus, as well as the guidance and counseling programs for teens, have a tremendous impact on our community and provide hope to those that need it most. My organization also works hard to make an impact across Chicago through support of local charities including the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.”

“It’s fantastic to have partners across our community who are ensuring the strength and stability of Chicago,” added Trilla. “We are pleased to be able to provide The Night Ministry with fuel to keep them on the road, and Fueling Good across the city.”

For complete Fueling Good rules and to submit a story for a chance to win gas for a year, visit www.FuelingGood.com. Each month, from July through December, five finalists will be selected from the entries for a monthly online vote, which will help decide the winner of gift cards worth a year’s supply of fuel from CITGO. Be sure to return to the site regularly for information on finalists and a chance to vote on the top participants. For additional details, follow Fueling Good on Twitter at http://twitter.com/FuelingGood2009, Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/FuelingGood2009.

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