/PRNewswire/ - The Ark Animal Sanctuary in Houlton, Maine is the winner of a year's supply of quality CITGO fuel and a case of CITGO motor oil from the Fueling Good program, presented by CITGO Petroleum Corp. This non-profit, no-kill animal sanctuary that is dedicated to rescuing lost, injured and unwanted pets and connecting them with loving families across the community was named the Fueling Good Grand Prize winner in a nation-wide online vote. The fuel prize will help in the rescue and care of more vulnerable animals.

Since 2009 the Ark Animal Sanctuary has rescued animals in need and connected them with loving families that can provide the care they need. More than 200 animals, mostly dogs and cats, have been rescued, given necessary medical care and adopted by families across the Northeast and as far away as Oklahoma. The Ark has been particularly active in the current economic downturn as many families simply cannot afford to care for their pets.

"The Fueling Good Grand Prize means the world to the volunteers of The Ark and it will make a major impact on our operations," said Lorraine Monfils, founder of The Ark Animal Sanctuary. "The fuel prize will help cover the costs of transporting sick and injured animals to veterinary appointments and will allow us to focus more money on rescuing animals and expanding our facilities. We plan to build a facility to care for more animals, including expanding our reach to help horses, pigs and a variety of other animals in need."

Launched in June 2010, the Fueling Good Get & Give campaign recognizes and rewards the efforts of organizations across the country that go above and beyond to provide a positive impact on the lives of others in their community. Also included in the 2010 campaign was an opportunity for consumers to win CITGO Gift Cards by voting for charities that best illustrated "doing good." More than $10,000 in prizes has been awarded to charities and individuals. Doing good locally is an idea that is central to CITGO and is aligned with the principles endorsed by the CITGO shareholder, Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

"We are proud to be a part of the Fueling Good movement as we, along with locally owned CITGO retailers, expand our support of families and animals across our community, and beyond," added Monfils.

Fueling Good was open to charities that support a range of causes, including the environment, education, safety, and health and wellness. Based on online votes, however, all of the winning Get & Give charities are involved in helping animals. In addition to The Ark Animal Sanctuary, All Creatures Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, a volunteer organization in Branson, Missouri that is committed to rescuing and finding homes for pets, and The Humane Society of Amherst County, Virginia, which has been supporting local animals since 1974, were also awarded CITGO gift cards and motor oil to help their organizations stretch their budgets and continue their good work.

The Fueling Good Get & Give program also rewarded individuals committed to supporting charity and community programs across the country. Individuals in California, Indiana and Montana won a share of $10,000 in CITGO fuel cards as part of the sweepstakes in thanks for their commitment and support of local heroes fueling good in their community, and beyond.

"It's an honor to help recognize and reward Lorraine Monfils and The Ark Animal Sanctuary team for rescuing needy animals across our community," said David Frazier, division manager with local CITGO marketer Daigle Oil Company. "No animal deserves to be mistreated and the efforts of The Ark and their local volunteers show how much our community cares for all creatures, great and small. There are many loving families out there looking for that special companion and it's a pleasure to work with The Ark to help expand their reach in support of our community."

Beginning Oct. 13, Fueling Good will continue to recognize and reward charities and individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Charities and individuals are invited to submit their story for a chance to win a share of $10,000 in prizes as part of the latest "100 Days of Get & Give" Fueling Good program at www.FuelingGood.com. Additional prizes will be awarded on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood.

For additional details, follow Fueling Good on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Fueling_Good, Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/CITGOFuelingGood.

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

For more information visit www.citgo.com.

CITGO Petroleum Corporation

CITGO Petroleum Corporation

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry with a well-known brand. CITGO operates three refineries located in Corpus Christi, Texas; Lake Charles, La.; and Lemont, Ill., and wholly and/or jointly owns 48 terminals, nine pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,400 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 769,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO is ranked as the fifth-largest, and 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 4,700 locally owned and operated branded retail outlets in 30 states and the District of Columbia. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com. 

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