CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

The Chicago Auto Show raised more than $2 million benefiting 18 local charities at the First Look for Charity gala last Friday. The black-tie benefit, held the evening before the show opened to the public, raised a total of $2,029,471.22. The annual fundraiser, produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and Chicagoland’s new-car dealers, hit the 34-year mark now tallying more than $67 million raised since its inception.

“Local new-car dealers help drive our communities forward…not just through business, but through service,” said Jason Roberts, Chicago Auto Show chairman. “This black-tie event honors the culmination of a year’s worth of passion, partnership and commitment to making a difference.”

First Look for Charity provides attendees with an exclusive view of the Chicago Auto Show a day before it opens to the public. Tickets to the fundraiser are $325 each, and purchasers may elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity of their choosing. The show floor is filled with gourmet food from local Chicago restaurants, live music and premium drinks.

This year, two brand-new vehicles were given away to attendees. Two Chicagoland winners took home a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, courtesy of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers, and a 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid, courtesy of the Chicagoland Toyota Dealers.

Since its inception, First Look for Charity has raised more than $67 million for the participating local charities. The CATA and new-car dealers support charities year-round, through a program called Chicagoland Dealers Care. Chicagoland Dealers Care helps match donations made by CATA dealer members to charities within their communities.

The 2026 First Look for Charity beneficiaries include: 100 Club of Illinois; Advocate Health Care; ALS United Greater Chicago; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Cal’s Angels Pediatric Cancer Foundation; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana; Habitat for Humanity; Jesse White Tumbling Team; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; Misericordia; Sertoma Star Services; Special Olympics Illinois; Susan G. Komen, Chicago; and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.

For more information on First Look for Charity, visit FirstLookforCharity.org. The 2026 Chicago Auto Show runs from Feb. 7-16, opening daily at 10 a.m. For more information on the show, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

This holiday season, local car dealers have teamed up with charitable organizations to give back to their communities and help fulfill holiday wishes of those less fortunate. Chicagoland’s new-car dealers understand the vital impact their businesses have on the communities they serve, which is why they’re going the extra mile this holiday season for causes that hold a special meaning to them.

Approximately 300 Jeeps joined Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Jeeps on the Run (JOTR) for their 13th annual Toys for Tots caravan, raising over $200,000 in toys and donations for local children. The day kicked off at the dealership with coffee, donuts and music, then continued with a police-assisted ride from Lake County reserve officers to the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, where Jeep owners and Marines unloaded the gifts. The afterparty featured live music, a magician, Santa photos, a full Santa’s Workshop, food, drinks and raffle prizes. A brand-new 2025 Jeep Gladiator was also given away to a lucky winner who traveled from Delaware to pick up her prize. Thanks to Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram’s support, over $300,000 has been donated to JOTR over the past six years.

For the sixth year, Fox Valley Auto Group participated in Operation Christmas Child. This annual initiative is a project of Samaritan's Purse and collects shoeboxes filled with gifts such as toys, school supplies and personal care items. These shoeboxes are then delivered to children in need worldwide, with the goal of demonstrating love in a tangible way. The dealership has been involved with the initiative since 2020. This year marked their biggest year yet, with the team raising $7,000 and packing over 150 boxes. The funds raised allowed them to pack an additional 504 boxes, significantly increasing their impact beyond years past.

Apple Chevrolet of Tinley Park once again played a leading role in supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, hosting its annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive and community celebration. The dealership collected 150 bikes and thousands of new, unwrapped toys to benefit children in need throughout the region. The event brought together community members, local media and special guests for a festive final drop-off party, reinforcing Apple Chevrolet’s continued commitment to service, generosity and giving back during the holiday season.

Because dealerships are closely woven into the fabric of their local communities, many individuals and organizations turn to them in a time of need. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area's new-car dealer association, has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. The association has donated more than $130,000 to local charitable organizations through its Chicagoland Dealers Care program, which helps expand CATA members’ donations and shine a spotlight on new-car dealers’ positive impact within their communities.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), in partnership with the USO, has concluded the 12th annual Drive for the Troops campaign, a month-long fundraiser that raised more than $70,000 in support of local military service members and their families.

Throughout the month of July, more than 80 new-car dealerships across the Chicagoland area came together to host community-focused fundraising events and activities. From car shows to classic summer barbecues to online fundraising activities, the campaign ignited strong community engagement and underscored the vital role of the USO in supporting those who serve.

“Drive for the Troops continues to be a shining example of how our local dealerships step up, not just as businesses, but as dedicated community leaders,” said CATA Chairman Ryan Kelly. “This year’s campaign was another powerful reminder that our communities are eager to rally around our service members, and we are proud to once again support the USO’s mission.”

Dealerships participated in a variety of ways, including hosting onsite events and contributing donations for every test drive taken throughout July. In total, this year’s fundraising brings the program’s lifetime contribution to more than $1.2 million, raised through nearly 800 dealership-led events since its inception.

“The impact of Drive for the Troops is profound, and the USO is incredibly grateful for the continued support from the CATA and Chicagoland’s new-car dealers,” said USO Executive Director, Christopher Schmidt. “These funds help ensure that we can continue offering hundreds of vital programs, services and moments of connection for service members and their families.”

The program culminated this week where CATA board members presented a check to the USO for a total of $72,047.

“Lastly, we must thank our incredible media partners who played a key role in amplifying the message, increasing awareness, and driving community participation throughout the campaign,” said Kelly.

For more information on the CATA, visit www.cata.info. For more information on the USO, please visit USO.org.

CHICAGO (Feb. 12, 2025) – The Chicago Auto Show raised more than $2.4 million benefiting 18 local charities at the First Look for Charity gala. The black-tie benefit, held the evening before the show opened to the public, raised a total of $2,457,808. The fundraiser’s 33-year event now tallies more than $65 million raised.

“The 2025 Chicago Auto Show is the perfect backdrop for Chicagoland new-car dealers to host this wonderful gala,” said Kelly Webb Roberts, 2025 Chicago Auto Show chairwoman. “This night is all about raising funds to support 18 local charities that do so much good within our communities.”

First Look for Charity provides attendees with an exclusive viewing of the Chicago Auto Show a day before it opens to the public. Tickets to the fundraiser are $325 each, and purchasers may elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity of their choosing. The show floor is filled with gourmet food from local Chicago restaurants, live music and premium drinks.

This year, two brand-new vehicles were given away to attendees. Michael Schultz was the lucky winner to walk away with keys to a new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV, compliments of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers. Marco Onofre had the winning ticket for the second vehicle, a 2025 Hyundai Palisade, compliments of Chicago and Northwest Indiana Hyundai Dealers.

Since its inception, First Look for Charity has raised more than $65 million for the participating local charities. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and new-car dealers also support charities year-round, through a program called Chicagoland Dealers Care. Chicagoland Dealers Care helps match donations made by CATA dealer members to charities within their communities.

The 2025 First Look for Charity beneficiaries include: 100 Club of Illinois; Advocate Health Care; ALS United Greater Chicago; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Cal’s Angels Pediatric Cancer Foundation; Folds of Honor; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Glenwood Academy; Habitat for Humanity; Jesse White Tumbling Team; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; Misericordia; Sertoma Star Services; Special Olympics Illinois; Susan G. Komen, Chicago; Turning Pointe Autism Foundation; and Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer.

For more information on First Look for Charity, visit FirstLookforCharity.org. The 2025 Chicago Auto Show runs from Feb. 8-17, opening daily at 10 a.m. For more information on the show, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (Dec. 20, 2024) – This holiday season, local car dealers have teamed up with charitable organizations to give back to their communities and help fulfill holiday wishes of those less fortunate. Chicagoland’s new-car dealers understand the vital impact their businesses have on the communities they serve, which is why they’re going the extra mile this holiday season for causes that hold a special meaning to them.

“Chicagoland’s new-car dealers are an integral part of their community and often the first to donate to local organizations in need,” said Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) President Jennifer Morand. “This holiday season is no exception as dealers have risen to the occasion to give back.”

Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Fox Lake once again partnered with Jeeps on the Run (JOTR), a local Jeep enthusiast club that has raised more than $2 million in donations to the charities it supports, most notably Toys for Tots. The annual Toys for Tots event was held in early December. Participating Jeeps traveled the more than 20-mile JOTR caravan that kicked off at the Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership and culminated at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort where Jeep owners, with the help of Marines, unloaded the toys that participants donated. Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has partnered with Jeeps on the Run for the last five years, donating more than $250,000 to the non-profit organization. To raise additional funds for the event this year, the dealership donated a new 2024 Jeep Wrangler as part of a raffle, given away at the culmination of the event.

"Jeeps on the Run is the perfect example of when car culture marries with a charity," said Ray Scarpelli Jr., owner of Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Ray Chevrolet. "We are proud to say that 100 percent of our donation goes directly to Jeeps on the Run and the charities it supports." 

For the fifth year, Fox Valley Volkswagen Buick GMC participated in Operation Christmas Child. This annual initiative is a project of Samaritan's Purse and collects shoeboxes filled with gifts such as toys, school supplies and personal care items. These shoeboxes are then delivered to children in need worldwide, with the goal of demonstrating love in a tangible way. The dealership has been involved with the initiative since 2020. This year, they packed 350 boxes, doubling what they have donated in years past.

“As a company, we believe that every effort, regardless of its size, to serve those less fortunate is impactful and aligns with our mission to ‘move people,’” said Danielle West, chief operating officer of Fox Valley Volkswagen Buick GMC. “This is a wonderful holiday activity that many employees do as a family and is suitable for children of all ages.”

Throughout the holiday season, a number of Chicagoland’s new-car dealers are a collection site for new, unwrapped toys, benefiting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program. Apple Chevrolet of Tinley Park and Webb Chevrolet of Oak Lawn are among the many dealerships that extend the call within the communities they serve to collect thousands of gifts for those in need.

Because dealerships are closely woven into the fabric of their local communities, many individuals and organizations turn to them in a time of need. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area's new-car dealer association, has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. The association has donated more than $130,000 to local charitable organizations through its Chicagoland Dealers Care program, which helps expand CATA members’ donations and shine a spotlight on new-car dealers’ positive impact within their communities.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (November 19, 2024) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, recently donated $1,500 to Jeeps on the Run (JOTR) and its mission to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The donation came in conjunction with Fox Lake-based Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, an initiative that matches CATA dealer donations of up to $1,500 for local charitable organizations.

Jeeps on the Run, a local Jeep enthusiast club, has supported various causes including St. Baldricks, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, breast cancer, heart disease, local food pantries and most notably Toys for Tots. In existence for 12 years, Jeeps on the Run has raised more than $2 million in donations to the charities it supports.

Sunday, Dec. 1, will mark the 12th annual Toys for Tots Run event. Participating Jeeps will travel the more than 20-mile JOTR caravan that kicks off at the Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership and culminates at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort where Jeep owners, with the help of Marines, will unload the toys that participants have donated. Following the Jeep run, a family-friendly after party will be held at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. Registration for the after party is open to the public and is open to non-Jeep owners.

Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has partnered with Jeeps on the Run for the last five years, donating more than $250,000 to the non-profit organization. To raise additional funds for the event this year, the dealership donated a new 2024 Jeep Wrangler as part of a raffle; the winner will be announced at the culmination of the event.

"Jeeps on the Run is the perfect example of when car culture marries with a charity," said Ray Scarpelli Jr., owner of Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Ray Chevrolet. "We are proud to say that 100 percent of our donation goes directly to Jeeps on the Run and the charities it supports." 

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area's new-car dealer association, has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. The CATA has donated more than $130,000 to local charitable organizations through its Chicagoland Dealers Care program.

“The CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program was designed to help our member’s donations stretch further and highlight the wonderful work they are doing in their communities,” said CATA President Jennifer Morand. “As we head into the holiday season, we are honored to help Jeeps on the Run and its efforts in collecting toys and raising money for Toys for Tots. It’s truly a one-of-a kind event.”

For more information about Jeeps on the Run, including the upcoming Annual Toys for Tots Run, visit www.jeepsontherun.com.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (November 19, 2024) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, recently donated $1,500 to Open Arms Mission. The donation came in conjunction with Raymond Chevrolet of Antioch and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, an initiative that matches CATA dealer donations of up to $1,500 for local charitable organizations.

Open Arms Mission, now in its 24th year, services Antioch and Lake Villa Townships. The non-profit organization assists neighbors with food, daily living necessities and outreach referrals. They serve on average 235 local families per week, offering them the opportunity to come once a week. Beyond the food pantry, Open Arms Mission works with families on rental assistance, auto insurance and provide funds for counseling for mental health services. Approximately 65 core volunteers assist families in need each week.

“Thanks to donations like this, we are able to serve those families,” said Marytherese Ambacher, director of Open Arms Mission. “We try and help as much as we can. When a local person comes and asks for something, if we have the funds, we help them.”

Owner of Raymond Chevrolet, Mark Scarpelli, has been involved with Open Arms Mission since its inception. Scarpelli acknowledges that the need continues to grow as he recalls seeing lines wrapped around the Open Arms Mission building.

“Car dealers get it,” said Scarpelli. “They are at the heart of their communities and they want to give back.”

Scarpelli was instrumental in establishing the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 during his time serving on the CATA Board of Directors. In addition to supporting Open Arms Mission, Scarpelli’s dealership has been donating vehicles to families in need. Scarpelli says, “We don’t turn a blind eye to that ever.”

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $130,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $62 million for Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, traditionally held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public.  

“Local car dealers like Raymond Chevrolet are an integral part of their community and are often deeply involved in charitable causes,” said CATA President Jennifer Morand. “We applaud Mark Scarpelli for having the foresight 16 years ago to help stretch CATA dealer members’ dollars further to support local causes, while raising awareness for these incredible organizations.”

For more information about Open Arms Mission, visit www.openarmsmission.org.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (November 19, 2024) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, recently donated $1,500 to Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of River Valley. The donation came in conjunction with Ron Tirapelli Ford and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, an initiative that matches CATA dealer donations of up to $1,500 for local charitable organizations. The dealership has donated more than $10,000 to CASA of River Valley.

CASA of River Valley’s mission is to draw from community resources to provide and support advocates, whose goal is to reduce the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social impacts of abuse and neglect experienced by children involved in the Will and Grundy County Judicial Systems, due to no fault of their own. CASA of River Valley advocates for more than 400 children annually by recruiting and training volunteers to act as the voice of the child, providing needed information to the court, and working toward a more restorative juvenile court process. It costs $1,000 per year, per child, with the need continuing to grow as it is estimated that 150 children go underserved each year.

“These donations are directly helping child victims in the community,” said Rita Facchina, CASA of River Valley executive director. “They are suffering from trauma that they shouldn’t have to endure as a child, nor did they do anything to deserve it.”

The support from Ron Tirapelli Ford to CASA of River Valley stems from Tom Conlin, the dealership’s principal and general manager. Conlin’s neighbor fosters children that have been a part of the CASA organization, allowing him to see firsthand the devastation the children go through and the needs they have.

The entire Ron Tirapelli Ford dealership rallies behind the cause, as the dealership offers payroll deductions pre-tax for employee charitable contributions and is matched by the dealership. Additionally, a $50 donation is made for every car sold and two percent of every service appointment goes toward charitable giving.

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like CASA of River Valley. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $130,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $62 million for Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, traditionally held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public.  

“We applaud dealers like Ron Tirapelli Ford for their generous contributions year-round to organizations that are making an impact within the local communities they serve,” said CATA President Jennifer Morand. “These charitable efforts exemplify what CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program strives to accomplish. The program not only helps stretch our dealer member’s donation dollars a little further, but it also highlights the charitable work being done by impactful organizations like CASA of River Valley.”

For more information about CASA of River Valley, including their upcoming Annual Christmas Express event on December 7 and 8, visit www.CASAofRiverValley.org.

CHICAGO (Aug. 24, 2023) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the Chicago-area’s new-car dealer association, once again partnered with the USO to host the 10th annual USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers. More than 80 local new-car dealerships rallied their communities to bring in $100,453 for local military and their families. The barbecue events, held on July 15, featured everything from patriotic ceremonies, classic car shows, live music, games for kids of all ages and, of course, barbecues.

“This year’s fundraiser, raising more than $100,000, is the perfect example of what Chicagoland new-car dealers can do when communities come together and rally around this cause,” said CATA Chairwoman Kelly Webb Roberts. “We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the USO Barbecue for the Troops program this year and look forward to continuing our support of the USO and our local military and their families for the next decade.”

This year’s fundraiser brought the grand total of the decade-long program to more than $1.1 million, supporting the USO initiatives with nearly 700 fundraisers. These funds enable the USO to lend support to more than 300,000 service members and their families annually.

“We are so grateful for the support we receive from our partners at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and the local new-car dealerships,” said USO Illinois Executive Director, Christopher Schmidt. “This grassroots fundraiser has now raised more than $1.1 million in crucial funds that support our service members and their families. On behalf of the USO and all those who serve our nation, we thank all the participating dealers and their communities for their generous support not only this year, but over the last 10 years.”

The program culminated at last week’s event, the USO’s annual Clark After Dark block party in downtown Chicago. CATA board members presented their check to the USO for a total of $100,453.12.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible support we received from our media partners surrounding this fundraiser,” said Webb Roberts. “Many thanks are due to all our partners in TV, radio and outdoor advertising media who helped us promote this worthwhile program. A special thanks to ABC 7 Chicago for producing the TV spot that aired throughout the market.”

For more information on the CATA, visit www.cata.info. For more information on the local USO in Illinois, please visit Illinois.USO.org.

CHICAGO (July 27, 2023) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, recently donated $1,500 to the Chicago Community Works and Sports Alternative. The donation came via the CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program in conjunction with a $5,000 donation by Pugi Auto Group of Downers Grove. Through Chicagoland Dealers Care, the CATA matches up to $1,500 of a member dealer’s donation to local charitable organizations.

The Chicago Community Works and Sports Alternative was founded in 1991 as an anti-gang and drugs organization for students after school. One of the most well-known programs that Community Works and Sports Alternative produces is the Chicago Jokers football team, which greatly benefits from these donations by providing equipment and transportation for students on the football team. Many Jokers return to coach the team, and some even go on to have a professional football career. Most recently, Jokers alumni Jayden Reed was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

In addition to the Chicago Jokers football program, the organization also supports students through etiquette and mentoring programs. There are currently more than 80 students participating throughout the organization.

“We are proud to provide these students a safe place to come together,” said Eric McLendon, Chicago Community Works and Sports Alternative founder and president. “Now they have the courage and resources to say ‘no’ when faced with questionable decisions.”

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $125,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $60 million for Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, traditionally held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public.  

“The CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program makes our member’s donation dollars go further and also highlights the positive impact that new-car dealers have within their communities,” said CATA Chairwoman Kelly Webb Roberts. “We applaud local dealers like Pugi Auto Group for their very generous contributions to supporting their community.”