Irving Oil’s Annual Fundraiser for Special Olympics includes Rhode Island locations for the first year
PORTSMOUTH, NH – Irving Oil is bringing its biggest US fundraiser to Rhode Island in honor of some very special athletes. Irving’s Fueling Dreams fundraiser began in 1999 in New Hampshire to benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the largest fundraiser worldwide for the Special Olympics. Since then the event has grown across all of New England, including 6 Irving Oil stations in Rhode Island as first time participants this year.
Law enforcement officers have designated May 22nd as their annual To Serve and Protect Day, and many local police and fire chiefs will be participating including the Police Chiefs in Cranston and East Providence, and the Fire Chief in Cumberland. As part of the day’s activities, enforcement officers will work alongside Irving employees and Special Olympics’ athletes and coaches to pump gas, wash windows and greet customers. The event will take place from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the following Irving gas stations in Rhode Island:
Finest Car Wash
38 Pleasant Valley Parkway
Providence
Mendon Rd. Irving
3492 Mendon Road
Cumberland
North Broadway
411 North Broadway
East Providence
Oaklawn Village Service Center
908 Oaklawn Avenue
Cranston
Park Avenue Gas
1025 Park Avenue
Cranston
East Providence Irving
155 Taunton Avenue
East Providence
“It is truly an honor to partner with Irving Oil on behalf of our Special Olympics athletes,” said Dennis DeJesus, Executive Director, Special Olympics Rhode Island. “By participating in this fundraiser, Irving is embracing the mission of Special Olympics helping our organization provide year round athletic training and competition to over 2,700 athletes in our state with intellectual disabilities. I would be remiss if I did not thank all of our law enforcement, fire and correctional partners for their participation and help pumping gas and washing windows to benefit Special Olympics Rhode Island.”
Irving Oil started its Fueling Dreams program 11 years ago and since its inception has raised more than $2 million. According to Irving spokesperson Liza Dube, the partnership with the Special Olympics organizations improves every year. This year, nearly 100 new sites are participating throughout New England, including the six in Rhode Island.
“We have an opportunity to work alongside so many talented and special athletes whose enthusiasm and excitement is so rewarding,” said Dube. “Each year the event attracts more and more people who want to do their part in helping thousands of athletes achieve their dreams.”
Irving invites the public to join in on all the fun and festivities on May 22nd when all funds raised by volunteers at participating Irving locations will be donated to Special Olympics. Special icons can also be purchased May 17th through June 6th for $1, with proceeds going directly to Special Olympics Rhode Island. In addition, Irving Oil will also make a direct donation.
“Thank you Irving Oil for your commitment to our athletes,” said DeJesus. “You are truly ‘fueling dreams’ and providing our athletes the opportunity to share their talents, bringing joy to all of us in the Special Olympics Rhode Island community.”
About Irving Oil
With over 800 fueling locations in New England and Atlantic Canada, Irving Oil is a leader in the Northeast in refining and fuel marketing. Since its founding in 1924 to today, Irving’s reputation is based on providing the very best in customer service and products. As a regional family-owned company, Irving serves its community by focusing on corporate social responsibility, and was the first ever oil company to win a USEPA Clean Air Excellence Award for its clean gasoline.
Media Contact
Liza Dube, 603-380-4901
Deb Daigle, 603-644-3200
