Valero Presents MDA with $4 Million Check from C-store Industry

Las Vegas -- A representative at San Antonio, Texas-based Valero Energy Corporation presented a check for $4 million raised by the convenience store industry to the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the 2011 MDA Telethon on Sunday.

The contribution was presented to MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali during the six-hour broadcast by Pete Linton, Valero vice president, Regional Retail Operations, who also announced Valero's over $2.2 million contribution to MDA.

In addition, 7-Eleven and the National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchisees contributed over $450,000 to the charity during the telethon. Las Vegas Franchise Owners' Association Vice President Iris Yost represented 7-Eleven and the Coalition during the broadcast.

The 46th annual MDA Labor Day Telethon raised $61.5 million despite the absence of longtime host and funnyman, Jerry Lewis.

"Valero has longstanding commitment of caring and support for MDA, from the frontline store employees to the CEO… 110 percent,'' said Linton.

Valero's employees and customers raise money each year for the association through their participation in MDA's Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program.

7-Eleven corporate partners, customers and employees helped raise funds for MDA through a store-based canister program, sale of Shamrock mobiles, golf tournaments and a variety of special events.

"We are honored to be a part of the ground-breaking muscle disease research that MDA has funded for more than 50 years," said Yost. "Many people with these diseases are living longer lives now because of research discoveries and we're looking forward to the day when there is a cure," she added.