CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

CHICAGO (July 1, 2019) - Chicagoland's new-car dealers are once again on a summertime mission to raise awareness and funds for local military and their families. For the seventh consecutive year, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and its dealer members have partnered with the USO of Illinois to host Barbecue for the Troops grassroots community fundraising events throughout the area on Saturday, July 13. To date, 110 dealerships have signed on to support the cause, and are planning to offer everything from patriotic ceremonies, classic car shows, live music, games for kids of all ages and - of course - barbecue.

Over the past six years, CATA dealers have rallied to raise more than $750,000 to support USO of Illinois programs and services with more than 500 fundraisers taking place. These funds enable the USO of Illinois to lend support to more than 326,000 service members and their families annually. Even though the month has just begun, the CATA reports a total of $5,000 already raised. The contribution came from Ally Bank in honor of CATA dealer and principal of Apple Chevrolet in Tinley Park, John Alfirevich, being named 2019 Time Dealer of the Year. Ally is a presenting sponsor of the award.

"CATA dealer members employ roughly 20,000 people throughout Chicagoland, and these dealers are already deeply rooted within their communities," said CATA Chairman Bill Haggerty. "So, when the opportunity for dealers to host BBQ for the Troops fundraisers was presented to us, the dealers seized the opportunity. The USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative is one great example of the vital role that dealers play to help people in need, right in their backyard," said Haggerty.  

"For the seventh year in a row, the USO of Illinois is proud to partner with the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and local new-car dealers for the USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative," said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble. 

"The USO Barbecue for the Troops program has raised more than $750,000 to support local troops and their families. The support of service members' hometown communities and local new-car dealerships has allowed the USO of Illinois to aid more than 326,000 service members and their families annually through hundreds of programs and services. Neighbors helping neighbors through initiatives like Barbecue for the Troops makes communities even stronger and joining your local dealership for their BBQ in July is a great way to get involved! From the USO of Illinois and all those who serve our nation, we thank you for your generous support," Ruble continued. 

For those who can't visit a USO Barbecue for the Troops event on July 13, there's still an opportunity to get into the action via social media. Beginning July 1, the CATA and USO of Illinois are accepting contest entries for the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue. The winner receives a catered meal by Real Urban Barbecue and a special guest appearance by Chicago Blackhawks Ambassador Chris Chelios. Submit your nominations via the contest entry form or upload a photo and caption with #BBQ4Troops tagging @DriveChicago on Twitter or @Drive_Chicago on Instagram. The winner will be announced on or around August 1.  

To find the full listing of CATA dealer USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers, visit www.DriveChicago.com. For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit www.usoofillinois.org.

CHICAGO (May 20, 2019) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) will present the 2019 Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship to John Hersey High School senior Tyler Delahanty later this week during a school assembly. Delahanty will receive a $1,000 grant to put toward future education.     

The CATA established the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship six years ago to honor Carol Cooling, a John Hersey High School alumna and long-time NBC 5 Chicago Special Events Director, who passed away in 2013 following a battle with cancer. The CATA, as producer of the Chicago Auto Show, worked closely with Cooling and NBC 5 to help facilitate the station's live TV specials that garnered several Emmy Awards over the years.

The John Hersey High School scholarship committee selected Delahanty as the recipient because he embodies many of the characteristics also used to describe Cooling. Attributions such as "smart, involved, dedicated, outstanding and exceptional" are commonly used by Delahanty's teachers and peers. 

"Carol inspired everyone with whom she came in contact, and not just through her work ethic; it was her passion, determination and perseverance for living a life she loved that showed her true colors," said CATA President Dave Sloan. "With the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship, our hope is that her legacy lives on, and that she continues to inspire students to become the best version of themselves - even when life doesn't deal you the finest cards."

John Hersey High School Assistant Principal for Student Activities John Novak said that Delahanty was an "exceptional choice for the award" as he's heavily involved in a number of activities both inside and outside of school. Despite all of his extracurricular involvement, Delahanty has been able to maintain a 4.05 GPA and score a 32 on his ACT. 

"We're elated that Tyler has been chosen as the 2019 recipient of the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship," Novak commented. "He is an outstanding student - strong academically and very involved in our school community. Tyler has been a part of our theater tech crew, a member of our scholastic bowl team and has been inducted into the National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society."

"We are very thankful to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association for honoring a Hersey student in Carol's memory," continued Novak. 

"I am very honored and humbled to receive this scholarship, and thankful to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association for honoring the memory of Carol Cooling," said Delahanty. "When writing the application, I tried to convey the same characteristics and enthusiasm that Carol Cooling displayed during her time with NBC 5 Chicago. I am also thankful to my family for helping instill these characteristics in me and for the opportunity to continue my education." 

Delahanty will put his scholarship money directly toward tuition costs at the University of Dayton, where he will be studying education this fall. 

John Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply for the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship again next year. The CATA will fund the scholarship through 2024.

To learn more about the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, please visit www.cata.info.

The Chicago Auto Show’s 28th annual First Look for Charity black-tie gala raised more than $2.8 million for 18 local nonprofit organizations, boosting the total to more than $53 million since its inception. Held the evening before the nation’s largest auto show opens to the public, First Look for Charity offers car buffs and socialites alike the first chance to see the industry’s latest cars, trucks and SUVs while sampling fine fare and crafted cocktails from area restaurants and caterers. Two attendees also left with the keys to new vehicles.

“First Look for Charity is a great instrument for the area’s new-car dealers to show the positive impact they have on their community,” said Ray Scarpelli Jr., chairman of the Chicago Auto Show. “All the benefiting charities are involved locally, so the money that’s raised in Chicago stays in Chicago.”

A highlight of the evening was the drawing for the event’s grand prizes, this year a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer and a 2019 Jeep Compass. Justin Salazar, of Chicago, won the former; and Winston Woodard and his wife, Janeen Naki-Woodard, both of Oak Lawn, won the latter.

Regarding winning the keys to the all-new Blazer, Salazar said “I did think we had a little bit of a chance to win. On his reaction to winning, Woodard said “I’m excited. I know my two boys will be excited, too.”

Chevrolet and the Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers provided the Blazer, and the Compass was compliments of FCA US LLC.

Wintrust Financial, the Chicago Auto Show’s official bank sponsor, also bestowed $250 gift cards on both winners.

This year’s beneficiaries included the 100 Club of Chicago; Advocate Health Care; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet; Clearbrook; The Cradle; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; JDRF; Susan G. Komen-Chicago; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; March of Dimes; Misericordia; New Star; Special Olympics Illinois; Turning Pointe Autism Foundation; and Jesse White Tumbling Team.

The 2019 Chicago Auto Show runs from Feb. 9-18 and is open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, except for the final day, Presidents Day, when the show closes at 8 p.m.

For more information on the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com. For high resolution photos and b-roll from First Look for Charity, visit: www.chicagoautoshow.com/media/online-newsroom.

For more information on the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com, For high resolution photos and b-roll from First Look for Charity, visit: www.chicagoautoshow.com/media/online-newsroom.

CHICAGO (Aug. 27, 2018) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), recently matched Continental Toyota's $850 contribution to global charity Plant with Purpose, which empowers families living in extreme rural poverty in eight developing countries around the world. Over the past two years, the CATA and Continental Toyota collectively donated a total of $2,986 to the organization.  

"While Continental Motors Group supports many local charities, it's an incredible feeling to also be able to lend support to people across the globe with Plant with Purpose," said Continental Toyota Dealer Principal Cheryl Nelson. "Last spring, we actually turned the entire showroom over to support Plant with Purpose with a campaign that lasted from Earth Day, April 23, to May 5. For every vehicle purchase made in that time frame, whether it was a new or pre-owned, Continental Toyota donated $1 to Plant with Purpose. Additionally, any Customer Pay oil change was matched with a $1 donation. The customers loved it too and they felt as though they were helping to make an impact."

Plant with Purpose has a very specific, effective process for helping poverty-stricken rural families in eight countries in the developing world. Plant with Purpose Great Lakes Regional Representative Dave Mahar explained the three-step approach, "Plant with Purpose families are transformed through environmental restoration, economic empowerment and spiritual renewal."

"First and foremost, we help families restore the environment by enriching their land. We not only assist with the process, but we give farming families the tools they need to succeed - even after we've departed. Farming families utilizing our techniques increased their yields by 85 percent. Secondly, there's an economic focus where families join Village Savings Groups, helping save and invest their money, taking loans and growing financially alongside one another. Families also are able to utilize a social fund savings program, which help families prepare for hard times and even natural disasters. Should an unexpected weather event occur, such as a hurricane or earthquake, the families can pull resources from this emergency fund to assist with restoration of the land. Finally, we work with families to restore faith and enhance and strengthen relationships within the family."

"There's a huge difference in method in that we don't just put a Band-Aid on something; Plant with Purpose is grounded in strategy to build a sustainable system for success," Mahar continued. "We're so thankful for the support of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and Continental Toyota to help us with our mission."  

Plant with Purpose estimates they've helped approximately 36,000 families in locations across the globe in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Tanzania and Thailand. The organization is just getting started in Ethiopia this summer.

"The CATA applauds Continental Toyota for its support of Plant with Purpose, among other charities," said CATA Chairman Tony Guido. "This is a perfect example of the vital role that dealers play to help those in need - not only within local communities, but also people across the globe." 

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised $50 million for significant Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. 

CHICAGO (Aug. 16, 2018) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, partnered with USO of Illinois again this summer to host the sixth-annual USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative. This July, a record 115 dealerships rallied their communities to raise a total of $182,000 for local military, and out of the 115 dealerships, 106 hosted fundraising events featuring cookouts, entertainment and family fun. Addison-based Turtle Wax, a new program partner, shares the CATA's mission of helping military and matched the first $25,000 raised at dealerships. 

The money collected during the Barbecue for the Troops program helps USO of Illinois serve more than 325,000 active duty, guard and reserve military and military family members annually through three program areas including USO centers, military family programs and community connection programs.  

"Local new-car dealers continue to up the ante each year of the USO Barbecue for the Troops program," said CATA Chairman Tony Guido. "While I am awed by its growing success, the fact that the USO Barbecue for the Troops program continues to gain momentum each year doesn't surprise me. As a dealer myself, I know firsthand the impact dealers have within their communities; they rally others like not many can. While it's true dealers compete for business, they put that rivalry aside and band together to achieve a common goal, this time to support the USO of Illinois and local military." 

"USO of Illinois salutes all of the Chicagoland new-car dealerships that participated in this year's USO Barbecue for the Troops, as well as the CATA," said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble. "Partnerships like USO Barbecue for the Troops allow us to support more than 325,000 service members and their families annually. Today, all of the participating dealerships joined the 'Force Behind the Forces' and that helps keep service members connected to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation." 

In addition to the community fundraisers, awareness spread via social media. The CATA and USO of Illinois ran a #BBQ4Troops social media contest where area residents were encouraged to nominate an individual they deem worthy of the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue. Nearly 150 nominations rolled in from social media; wives nominated husbands who served overseas, parents nominated children who are active duty military and friends nominated deserving friends. Ultimately, the CATA and USO of Illinois selected Christa Oody for the grand prize. She nominated her husband, Sergeant James Oody, to win. In Christa's submission, she noted "Like all service members, James sacrificed so much and carries the burden of war." She hoped to win the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue to honor her husband and his military friends who have given so much to their country. This summer, James and Christa will get to enjoy the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue complete with mouth-watering barbecue fare from Real Urban Barbecue, a special visit from Chicago Blackhawks alum Brian Campbell and will receive a Rookie Racing Experience, compliments of Turtle Wax. 

To celebrate another successful program, CATA participating dealers will join USO of Illinois onstage at Clark After Dark this evening to present the final check for $182,000 from the 2018 Barbecue for the Troops program. Clark After Dark is a popular street festival for Chicagoans that offers a night of fun in the heart of Chicago's River North district with an opportunity to support the troops. It's dubbed "Summer's Last Hoo-ah!" 

As the USO Barbecue for the Troops program continues to grow each year in terms of funds raised, heightened dealer participation and overall community awareness, the CATA and USO of Illinois are already planning for 2019. Next summer, the official Barbecue for the Troops fundraising events will be held at local new-car dealerships on Sat., July 13, 2019. 

CHICAGO (July 10, 2018) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area's new-car dealer association, donated $1,500 to DuPagePads through its Chicagoland Dealers Care program. CATA dealer member Continental Acura of Naperville recently contributed $25,000 to the charity.

The CATA created the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to build upon the charitable efforts of CATA's dealer members within their communities. Continental Acura of Naperville has been a supporter of DuPagePads for nearly a decade and dealer principal Joel Weinberger is personally involved with the charity, having recently completed a six-year term on their board, as well as spearheading an annual fundraising event called the "Drive for 95." 

"Local dealers are where organizations and people turn when they need assistance, because they know they're the pillar of their communities," said Tony Guido, CATA chairman. "As chairman of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, I'm fortunate to witness all of the goodwill put forth by dealer owners and employees." 

DuPagePads strives to end homelessness within the community, starting with housing. Beyond providing shelter and food, the charity also offers support services to help individuals work toward becoming self-sufficient including case management, life coaching and employment support. 

Weinberger turned his passion for cars into the "Drive for 95 fundraiser," a four-hour karting event held at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet where 15 teams compete to raise funds for the charity. The goal of the event was to raise $95,000, but this year's event - now in its eighth year - generated $127,000 for DuPagePads, totaling more than $800,000 since its inception.  

"The 'Drive for 95' fundraiser began as 'Drive for 25' with the goal of raising $25,000; we have to keep raising the bar over the years!" said DuPagePads Vice President of Development Janelle Barcelona. "We're very fortunate to have someone like Joel [Weinberger] on our board and to have the ongoing support of his dealerships." 

"It's a good feeling to know you're helping people right within your community," said Weinberger.  

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised $50 million for significant Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. 

CHICAGO (July 10, 2018) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area's new-car dealer association, donated $1,500 to Inside Out Club, formerly isupportcommunity.org, through its Chicagoland Dealers Care program. CATA dealer member Continental Mazda of Naperville recently contributed $5,000 to the charity. 

The CATA created the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to build upon the charitable efforts of CATA's dealer members within their communities. Continental Mazda of Naperville has been a supporter of Inside Out Club since the charity was initially founded in 2012. 

"The CATA applauds Continental Mazda of Naperville for their support of Inside Out Club, among other charities," said CATA Chairman Tony Guido. "This is a perfect example of the vital role that dealers play to help those in need - right within their local communities." 

Inside Out Club's mission is to develop children - ranging from 3 to 12 years of age - with character inside and out by teaching empathy, kindness and acceptance skills through programs within local schools. The Inside Out Club has grown from one elementary school with 25 students to 29 schools reaching more than 1,450 students. The organization also hosts twenty weekend events a year within DuPage County. 

"Continental's support has been instrumental in helping us achieve this growth," said Marion Ruthig, founder and executive director of the Inside Out Club.

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised $50 million for significant Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. 

CHICAGO (May 25, 2018) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicago metropolitan area's new-car dealer association, presented the fifth annual Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship - a $1,000 grant - to John Hersey High School graduating senior Lucas Philip during an in-school presentation. The CATA established the scholarship in 2014 to honor Cooling, a Hersey High School alum, who lost a battle with cancer in 2013. 

The CATA, producer of the Chicago Auto Show, worked closely alongside Cooling during the annual productions of NBC's Chicago Auto Show TV special and developed a lasting relationship with her over the years. Cooling was the strong foundation to a successful partnership that led to multiple Emmy wins for the show. Although Cooling's official title at NBC was "Director of Special Events," she was most frequently referred to as the "heart and soul" of the station.

"I felt that I could relate with what Carol Cooling went through," added Philip. "This scholarship was definitely one that caught my eye right away while searching for scholarships at school. I felt that it called my name and I was inclined to apply. Earning this scholarship makes me feel proud to be where I am today and I'm glad that I worked for it. I am grateful to have received the Spirit of Carol Cooling scholarship. Thank you very much to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association for making this possible."

Philip will attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, this fall, where he will pursue a major in biology with a concentration on pre-professional pharmacy. The CATA will fund the scholarship through 2023, and John Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply again next year. The grant recipient is selected by the school based on academic and personal excellence.

"Carol was not only a key liaison between the CATA and NBC Chicago, she also was a dear friend," said CATA Chairman Ray Scarpelli. "We couldn't think of a better way to honor Carol and keep her legacy alive than by recognizing a young person with high hopes and dreams who also embodies Carol's characteristics."

First Look for Charity, the cornerstone fundraiser of the Chicago Auto Show, raised more than $2.8 million for 18 local nonprofit organizations. The black-tie gala, which takes place one day before the show’s public opening, drew nearly 10,000 attendees to McCormick Place, despite one of the snowiest days of the year.

Guests sampled gourmet food and beverage offerings and browsed nearly 1,000 of the latest vehicles, technologies and interactive exhibits spanning one million sq. ft. of space. Proceeds from the annual gala benefitted 18 nonprofits across Chicagoland and, as in years past, purchasers could specify the charity to which their contributions would benefit.

“There’s nothing like the First Look for Charity black-tie gala at the Chicago Auto Show,” said John Hennessy, chairman of the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. “In addition to putting on the greatest consumer auto show, our manufacturer and dealership partners remain committed, year after year, to giving back to the Chicago community. That’s what this night is all about.”

First Look for Charity has raised more than $50 million since its inception. Proceeds benefit the following nonprofit organizations operating in the greater Chicago area: 100 Club of Chicago, Advocate Health Care, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Clearbrook, The Cradle, Franciscan Community Benefit Services, Franciscan Health Foundation, JDRF, Susan G. Komen Chicago, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children, March of Dimes, Misericordia, Special Olympics Illinois, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

A staple of the annual First Look for Charity preview is the annual vehicle giveaway. This year, Jason Heineman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, walked away with an all-new 2018 Ford Expedition, while Steve and Sarah Oliver of Dyer, Indiana, won the brand-new 2018 Ford Mustang, compliments of Ford and the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Ford Dealers.

The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Feb. 10-18, and 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19. For continuing coverage and a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow the Chicago Auto Show on social media. For more information about the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

CHICAGO (Jan. 22, 2018) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), donated $1,500 to the Student Excellence Foundation. The CATA created the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to build upon the charitable efforts of CATA's dealer members within their communities. Cadillac of Naperville most recently applied to the program after having donated to the Student Excellence Foundation. 

The Student Excellence Foundation is an all-volunteer organization that raises funds for innovative programs and new materials to enhance educational opportunities for Wheaton-Warrenville students not otherwise covered by state funding.

"Unfortunately, many educational programs and opportunities have been cut from school budgets due to lack of reliable funding and capped local revenues," said Student Excellence Foundation Volunteer Barb Marquardt. "The Student Excellence Foundation helps to enrich the classroom environment for both teachers and students with the awarding of grants and funding of programs that might not otherwise be possible. A large percentage of the donations to the Student Excellence Foundation come from the community and local businesses, such as Cadillac of Naperville." 

Cadillac of Naperville recently forged a relationship with the charity, but has plans of continuing its support - not just through monetary donations, but also donating time. The Student Excellence Foundation offered a mentorship opportunity to Frank Laskaris, president of Cadillac of Naperville. Laskaris, who was born to immigrant parents and started his auto industry career with a borrowed shirt and tie for a job interview at age 18, is a product of the Chicago Public School system. He jumped at the opportunity to work with ambitious students and share real-life business and career experiences.   

"Real life and real work with no excuses, that's my life story," said Laskaris. "This type of learning can't be taught in a textbook. I am both honored and humbled to have traveled my path and be in a position to support the Student Excellence Foundation." 

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised nearly $48 million for significant Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. 

For more information on the Student Excellence Foundation, visit http://studentexcellencefoundation.org.