LAP Petroleum Sponsors Taste of India

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – LAP Petroleum, CITGO Petroleum Corp. and Miss Virginia 2013 Desiree Williams recently teamed up to host the Taste of India 2014 festival in Norfolk, Va. The eighth annual event took place at Old Dominion University's TED Constant Convocation Center. 

"We have been actively involved in Taste of India for the past eight years," stated LAP Groups President Sanjay Patel. "LAP Petroleum is constantly involved in community outreach programs in the Hampton Roads and surrounding communities, championing causes such as feeding the needy and caring for the homeless and residents of nursing homes. It is our passion to make a difference in the lives of others."

More than 7,000 people gather at the festival every year to enjoy traditional Asian Indian food, dance, clothing and art, while raising money for charitable organizations in the Hampton Roads community. LAP and CITGO representatives and Miss Virginia greeted this year's attendees and encouraged children to enter the art competition, which awarded prize money and a book to the first- and second-place winners in two age categories.

"At Taste of India 2014, I had the opportunity to interact with children and experience rich cultural traditions," said Williams. "I always look forward to every chance I have to inspire youth and meet families who lead lifestyles that promote physical and emotional well-being. I am honored to be involved in Taste of India, and it was so fun to work with the children and really get hands-on experience with Indian culture."

CITGO has an ongoing partnership with the Miss America Organization to raise awareness of key issues surrounding education and social investment, energy assistance, environmental protection and conservation, and health. The company and its network of local marketers and retailers have held several events with local Miss America state winners, such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival with Miss Virginia; anti-bullying presentations at Long Island schools with Miss New York; and the Muscular Dystrophy Association Jersey Auction with local Miss Virginia titleholders.

LAP Petroleum owns and operates 22 CITGO stations across Virginia.