With great excitement and the desire to exceed its goal of $20,000, the 20 Q Mart Marketplace stores combined to raise $23,789 during the recently completed Shamrocks Against Dystrophy sales drive.

The original goal of sending one child per store to MDA summer camp was blown away. Through the strong leadership of the Q Mart management staff and the hard work of all sales associates, Q Mart will send 23 kids to summer camp!

Again leading the way this year was the Geele Avenue Q Mart with $6383 in shamrock sales.  Scott Stangel MDA Coordinator for Quality State Oil said, "Joann and her staff always go above and beyond with this event.  They use their creativity and bond with their customers.  This has really become a winning combination for them."  The Geele store has been an annual winner of one of three all-expense paid trips to the MDA Telethon in Las Vegas sponsored by CITGO.  Stangel said, "Undoubtedly they will win again in 2010."

The Sheboygan Falls Q Mart on Broadway street has become a strong player in the last couple of years.  Amber and her staff generated $3244 in sales. "Amber and especially Jen have build a strong relationship with their customers.  As result they received many repeat sales",  Stangel said.  Using their creativity, Amber and her staff created separate shamrock display boards for individual customers.  They then challenged their customers to fill the boards.  It became a competition between customers and created a fun atmosphere.

Q Mart on Taylor and Washington in Sheboygan had another strong showing,  raising $2376. Stangel said, "Amy and her staff have developed close ties with with their customers.  By doing so their customers look forward and anticipate the shamrock event.  So when the fundraiser began everyone was ready." 

As a whole every store had strong sales and made a superior effort.  This event surely illustrates that Q Mart and its people are leaders in the community.  

To learn more click here

Twenty years of success is the only way to describe Quality State Oil’s golf outing.  During the run of the event over $500,000 has been raised for MDA, with the 2009 contribution the largest ever.

 “Strong partnerships”, is the way tournament director Scott Stangel described it. “In a time when other events have been cancelled or fell short of expectations, our event experienced its best year ever.  We are blessed with partners and supporters who understand the importance of the effort and know they can have a great time along the way.”

 A total of 142 golfers, the largest turnout ever, contributed to the record total of $39,000!

 Stangel went on to say,  “There are so many generous people who deserve credit.  With out these people our expectations would not have been met.”

 Title sponsor CITGO Petroleum Company, who has supported MDA for over 20 years, has raised over $100 million, making it MDA’s number one corporate sponsor.

 Other major sponsors of QSO’s event include MillerCoors, ExxonMobil, Oil Equipment Company, Nestle Waters, BP, RLO Sign, Bank First National, and Eby Brown. Along with a host of green and hole sponsors made the 20th version of this event extra special.

 A special thank you goes out to the staff of Quit Qui Oc Golf Club for their work in hosting this event and ExxonMobil who sponsored the celebrity appearances of Wayne Larrivee and Bill Michaels.

 “This year will certainly be memorable,” Stangel said.  “With our shamrock sale exceeding expectations and now the golf outing, Quality State Oil’s 2009 MDA contribution will be over $10,000 greater than last year.”

 LARRIVEE AND MICHAELS TO RETURN TO QSO GOLF OUTING

Wayne Larrivee the "Voice of the Green Bay Packers" and WTMJ's very own "The Big Unit" Bill Michaels will again attend the Quality State Oil/CITGO Golf Challenge on July 15 at Quit Qui Oc Golf Club in Elkhart Lake.  exxonMobil through its partnership with Quality state Oil will sponsor the appearance of Wayne and Bill.  To meet Wayne and Bill on the course, join the excitement of this great event which benefits MDA.  To register go to the outing's website by the outings website by clicking here.  Or e-mail tournament director at mdagolf@qualitystate.com.   

This year will mark the 20th anniversary of this event.  During its 20 year association with MDA Quality State Oil along with its partner CITGO Petroleum Company has raised nearly $500,000 in the fight against neurmuscular diesase.  Last year's alone the event raised over $34,000.  With the support of so many friends and associates of Quality State Oil this year will be the biggest ever.

Scott Stangel Tournament Director couldn't contain his enthusiasm when making the announcement that radio personalities and Wisconsin sports icons Wayne Larivee and Bill Michaels will join the outing for a day of golf. 

"It is great to have Wayne and Bill join us again this year.  They really added to last year's event, and so many participants said how nice it was that they took the time to attend this event..  They are so highly respected in Wisconsin sports circles and definitely have their hands on the pulse of professional sports in Wisconsin.  Working for WTMJ, the home of the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and Bucks these guys know what's going on and will be very exciting to talk to."  Stangel went on to say, "If you have never participated in the Quality State Oil/CITGO MDA Golf Challenge this is the year.  What a great opportunity to meet these two great guys, while supporting such a worthwhile cause as MDA."

Being the 20th anniversary several special events are planned.  First all participants will receieve a commemorative gift sponsored by CITGO Petroleum.  For those partners who have supported the event each year, a special recognition gift will be presented.  To enhance the play on the course, a hole-in-one earns $25,000

The golf outing is scheduled for July 15 at Quit Qui Oc Golf Club in Elkhart Lake.  The shotgun start is at 10:00, with lunch, dinner and refreshments on the course.  There will be many contests and games throughout the day.  Prior to dinner will be the popular MDA Live Auction featuring the popular MDA Gifts of Hope, as well as other great items.

To learn more visit the outing's website.  There you can register your foursome or learn more about other sponsorship opportunities.

For the fourth consecutive year the Quality State Oil Shamrocks Against Dystropy sales promotion exceeded $10,000 in sales. In all the Q Mart chain of convenience store sold $10,850 in green $1 shamrocks and gold $5 shamrocks.  "Again Q Mart stepped up and took the lead in supporting Muscular Dystrophy", stated Scott Stangel fundraising coordinator.  Stangel went on to say, "Year after year the Q Mart group embraces this opportunity to give back to the community.  They not only raise money for a great cause, but also develop a caring and giving relationship with their customers."

Leading the way again this year was the Sheboygan Geele Avenue store.  Store Manager Joann Brock and her staff totalled $5314 in sales. Teri Snow of the geele staff individually sold $2791. 

CITGO Petroleum Company, MDA's top corporate sponsor, contributed incentives to this year's sales contest.  For each store selling a minimum of $500, received a $50 gift card. This award increased at the same ratio for each additional $500 in sales.  In addition to the Geele Avenue location, stores in Sheboygan earning gift cards included North Avenue and Calumet Drive.  In Sheboygan Falls the Broadway Avenue store earned a gift card, as did the Sturgeon Bay and Fond du Lac locations.

With her outstanding performance Teri Snow won the title of the top selling associate for all participating CITGO branded locations.  This effort earned Teri $500 in gift cards.  Also MDA contributed T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, and gift cards to individuals reaching a minimum sales level of $50.

Scott Stangel said that with almost $11,000 in shamrock sales and the golf outing coming up on July 23, the company goal of raising $45,000 for MDA in 2008 is within reach.

Congratulations to everyone who supported "Jerry's Kids" by asking their customers to purchase a shamrock.  

The 2008 Shamrocks Againist Dystrophy sales promotion will begin February 1, when 25 stores in Quality State Oil's group begin selling $1 and $5 Gold Shamrocks.  Scott Stangel MDA Events Coordinator for Quality State Oil said, "With the additional 5 stores we picked up in the Ryan Oil purchase we will far exceed last year's total of $10,500.  In fact this year I have established a goal of $15,000."  Stangel went on to say, "CITGO has really stepped up this year.  In addition to the all-expense paid trips to the MDA Telethon in Las Vegas, they have added seperate store manager and sales associate sales contest."

That's right all participating stores are eligible to win an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas or gift card prizes.  Last year marked the 4th consecutive year Q Mart earned one of only 4 Las Vegas trips offered by CITGO nationwide.  Joann Brock and her husband spent 4 fabulos days over Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas.  Their trip included airfare, hotel accomidations, tickets to the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, and meals at all CITGO sponsored events.  They also had free time to explore the excitement that makes Las Vegas special.

CITGO being the top corporate sponsor of MDA is offering a store manager incentive for the first time.  Simply, if their store sells a minimum of $500 in shamrocks the store manager will receive a $50 gift card form a store of their chosing.  This gift card total increases as the store's sales increase.  "THE SKY IS THE LIMIT".  For sales associates, the top selling associate will receive a $500 gift card and all the other top selling associates from participating stores will be entered into a drawing for a $350, $200, and $100 gift cards.

All these great rewards are on top of the T-shirts, sweatshirts, and gift cards offered to everyone participating in the Quality State Oil shamrock sales contest.  For sales $50 or more receive an MDA T-shirt, for $100 in sales receive a sweatshirt and for sales over $250 earn a $50 gift card.

So the excitement is building.  All materials for a successful shamrock sale are scheduled to arrive in each participating store by the end of January.  Sales begin February 1.  Everything is ready, so "Gear up" now to fight this debilliatating diease.

Pictured here are a number of last year's shamrock displays.  By posting all the sold shamrocks you not only draw attention to the sale, but you create excitement while giving your store a different look.

To get involed contact Scott Stangel at 800-236-5640, extension 327.  Or email Quality State Oil at mdaevents@qualitystate.com. All the shamrock promotional materials are free, but the service you perform is priceless!  

QUALITY STATE OIL SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS

In 2007 Quality State Oil exceeded all expectations in raising $44,000 for MDA!   "The best year ever", that's the way Scott Stangel MDA Events Coordinator for Quality State Oil described it.  "We set a goal of $42,000 and we smashed it.  Its great to see the generous from all our supportors."  He went on to say, "Without the support of the many sponsors and partners this would not be possible.  The showing of support for all those who are inflicted with this terrible diease is heart warming".

In all the highly successful Shamrocks Against Dystrophy sales drive netted $10,500 and the ever growing golf challenge brought in $32,000.  The rest was made up through special events such as brat frys, canister contributions, lock up program, and other donations.

Some of the success stories in 2007, include having one of the top selling shamrock selling stores in the country, selling 18 "Gifts of Hope" (MDA Summer Camp Scholarships) during the golf outing auction, and hosting a record number of participants during 18th annual Golf Challenge.

Joann Brock and her husband Tim attended the MDA telethon in Las Vegas on Labor Day weekend.  Joann Store Manager of the Geele Avenue Q Mart store in Sheboygan, earned the trip by being one of the 4 top shamrock selling stores in the country.  Joann with the help of her entire staff sold $6,742 worth of "green" and $5 "gold" shamrocks.  The trip was sponsored by CITGO Petroleum MDA's top coorporate sponsor.  Joann and Tim were treated to complete accomadations including transportatation and meals.  They had a chance to be part of the telethon and had their picture taken with Jerry Lewis and top CITGO executives.  "It was a great trip", Joann said.

The golf challenge was again a huge success!  During the auction Myranda Gereau spoke very openly about her the difficulties she faced earlier in the year from her muscular dystrophy.  She had an extended stay in the hospital and couldn't fully participate in summer camp due to respiratory problems. At the time of the outing she was on the road to recovery.  Quality State Oil is certainly blessed to have her as a spokes person, and we pray for this charming young lady.

If you didn't have a chance to be part of Quality State Oil's efforts in 2007, the 2008 events are just getting started.  So stay in touch and get involved. 

WEARING OF THE GREEN A HUGE SUCCESS

Quality State Oil again is a leader in the fight against Muscular Dystrophy

Led by the strong sales effort by the Q Mart store, Quality State Oil again exceed the $12,000 plateau in Shamrock sales. Joining Q Mart were several dealer stores including 5 Marshall's Convenience stores. All totaled $12,044 was raised through a strong effort from 27 stores.

The 17 store Q Mart group lead the way with an overall sales total of $11,189. This was aided by a new promotion in 2006, the Goldrush sales drive.This effort featured special incentives for the sale of $5 "gold" shamrocks. The gold shamrocks were well received by customer and created some additional excitement.

Again in 2006 the Geele Avenue Q Mart was by far the top selling store with $5680 in total sales.Terri Snow from the Geele Avenue store again led the way with the top individual total of $2957 in total shamrock sales. Winners of the Citgo sponsored trip to the MDA Telethon the previous 3 years, the Geele Avenue store will again content for that reward again this year.

When asked what is the key to her success Terri said, "You need to build a relationship with your customers throughout the year.If you wait until the time of the shamrock sale you wont have the trust or rapport established to get them to open their heart."  Terri certainly has the right approach, and it shows in her success.

The efforts off all associates selling $50 or more in shamrocks were rewarded with various prizes, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, Shopko certificates, and cash. Goldrush winners were treated to a Cousins party sub and a Blue Harbor Resort stay. Other top prizes included $100 for a store party and a $100 individual prize.

Special recognition goes to the Calumet Drive Sheboygan Q Mart and Geele Avenue for making the extra effort of sponsoring a brat fry. Calumet Drive's event was at the Pic n Save just down the street from the store. Included in this fund raising effort was a raffle with all proceeds going to MDA.Geele Avenues brat fry was a customer appreciation event which rewarded customers for their contributions at the store.

Congratulations to all who took the imitative and made the effort to ask for the sale. Most found by simply asking you will receive the support necessary to make this effort a success.

Attention now turns to the annual Quality State Oil/Citgo Golf Challenge scheduled for July 12th at Quit Qui Oc Golf Club in Elkhart Lake.Last year this event raised over $30,000 for MDA. For more information and to register click here to visit the outings website.

MAKING IT HAPPEN IN 2006

    



Exceeding the 2005 total by over $2000 the 2006 Quality State Oil/CITGO MDA Golf Challenge was again a huge success.  The 2006 total raised of $32,000 represents the work and support of many people.  It will go along way to assist in the fight against neuromuscular disease.

The event starts with the major sponsors.  They include Quality State Oil, CITGO Petroleum, US Bank, Northern Environmental Services, Oil Equipment Company, Eby-Brown, Miller Brewing, and Sheboygan Chevrolet Cadillac.  In addition there are are many other sponsors who are too numerous to mention.  They give with their time, money, and ideas in an effort to see this event be a success.

Plans are already under way to for 2007.  Soon the date of next year's event will be announced.  So start making your plans now to attend the 18th annual event.  Every effort will again be made to exceed the total raised to support this battle. 

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency with a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans.

MDA combats neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and far reaching professional and public health education.