Coulson Oil Co. sponsored the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI) in its Tour de Rock cycling event to raise money toward cancer research.
For more than 40 years, Coulson Oil Co. has been a strong supporter of local community events and organizations.
In June, the company was the presenting sponsor of the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI) Tour de Rock, an annual event for cycling enthusiasts. Early projections put fundraising totals for this year’s Tour de Rock at more than $125,000.
This marked the fourth year that Coulson Oil has been a sponsor of the event, which first began in 2004. It consists of two parts: a 10-mile Family Fun Ride and an advanced ride featuring course options of 30, 50, 62 and 100 miles. Approximately 1,100 people participate in the event, coming from states all over the U.S.
“We always enjoy being a part of the Tour de Rock,” said David Zakrzewski, president of the Coulson Oil Co. “CARTI plays a vital role in the healthcare of the people of Arkansas and the surrounding region, and we salute them for the great work they do. It’s a privilege to be a part of the ride, and to do whatever we can to help make it the success it is year after year.”
Coulson Oil teamed with Shell, one of the fuel brands the company represents, as part of its sponsorship. At the event, the company set up a rest stop for riders who need to take a break. Known as the “Coulson Oil Luau Rest Stop,” it includes a tropical theme, complete with a cool-water misting tent. The company provides food and beverages for participants, with a menu of items such as pork, beef, chicken and a variety of fruits.
“The Tour de Rock is a celebration of life, and it’s a wonderful way to raise cancer awareness,” Zakrzewski said. “We salute everyone at CARTI for their devotion to helping those afflicted with cancer and bringing them hope for a better life.”
In addition to staffing the rest stop, many of the Coulson Oil team participates in the race, including Mike Coulson, the company’s chairman of the board. His love of cycling first spearheaded their involvement.
“Coulson Oil has been a long-time supporter and friend of CARTI, and their partnership in the Tour de Rock has helped it grow to new heights,” said Kathi Jones, president of the CARTI Foundation. “Their sponsorship has been instrumental in the Tour de Rock becoming a nationally-recognized cycling event. We appreciate that, and the wonderful energy and enthusiasm everyone at Coulson Oil brings to the event.”
Jones said that the Coulson rest stop is a crowd favorite along the route. “They help wipe down the bikes and cheer on the participants until they are hoarse. It’s a wonderful, active participation, and we could not be more thankful.”
North Little Rock-based Coulson Oil Co., founded in 1969, is a multi-branded distributor of gasoline and diesel fuels in Arkansas, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Through a network of more than 200 dealers, Coulson Oil markets branded fuels from Shell Oil, ConocoPhillips, Valero Energy and Diamond Shamrock.