Standard Oil of Connecticut raises more than $42,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Association and MDA summer camp for youngsters
But concerns about swine flu virus cancels summer camp for muscular dystrophy kids

BRIDGEPORT, CT, August 22, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Fourteen Connecticut youngsters with Muscular Dystrophy (MD) are understandably disappointed that their plans for a summer of fun are cancelled by concerns about the spread of the H1N1 virus which is responsible for the worldwide Swine Flu pandemic. Children are one of the population groups with an elevated risk of contracting the potentially deadly virus.

The summer camp trip would have been the seventh such event sponsored by Standard Oil of Bridgeport, Connecticut's annual MD fundraising event. Money for the summer camp trip was earmarked from $42, 500 raised in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) at Standard's Annual Charity Golf Invitational, held June 16th at the Whitney Farms Golf Course in Monroe, CT.

Standard Oil President, Roy Friedman, though pleased with the generous donations, says he shares the youngsters' disappointment.

"We've been helping selected young people have a wonderful summer of activities at the MDA camp. It is something they look forward to with tremendous enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the pandemic has closed the Association's camps nationwide because of justifiable concerns about the spread of H1N1.

"The children's safety is our primary concern, but we are looking towards the future, and money put aside for this year's summer camp event will be rolled over for next summer. Though the closure is a letdown, we are extremely pleased with the generosity of the donors at the fundraising event and how it is going towards an extremely important cause."

The proceeds go directly to the MDA, the health organization that fights the neuromuscular disease through scientific research, community service and public health education. Sponsorship by Standard Oil of Connecticut has made it possible for 54 youngsters to attend the MDA summer camp over the past seven years.

The $42,500 will be presented by Standard Oil of Connecticut, Inc. President, Roy Friedman to representatives of the MDA on Labor Day at the Jerry Lewis Telethon, which will be held at Mohegan Sun on Monday, September 7, 2009.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Jennifer Starkey at (800) 822-3835 or by e-mail at jstarkey@standardoil.net.

EDITOR'S NOTE: APPEARING IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: PRESIDENT OF STANDARD OIL, ROY FRIEDMAN, ENVIRONMENTAL ADMINISTRATOR, JENNIFER STARKEY AND VICE PRESIDENT OF STANDARD PETROLEUM, GEORGE MC CLOSKEY.

Press Release Contact Information:

Jennifer Starkey
Standard Oil of Connecticut
Environmental Administrator
299 Bishop Ave.
Bridgeport, Connecticut
USA 06610-3056
Voice: 203-222-2250
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