CHICAGO (October 15, 2012) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and Gerald Nissan Subaru Kia Hyundai presented a check to charitable organization Families Helping Families for $1,500 as part of the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program. 

The Chicagoland Dealers Care program helps to deliver additional financial support and advocacy to local charitable organizations already put forth by Chicagoland new-car dealers. Gerald Nissan Subaru Kia Hyundai has been a longtime financial supporter of Families Helping Families, a grassroots neighborhood organization with the sole focus of helping homeless families in DuPage County, and even donated two vehicles to the organization last year. 

"The support from Gerald Nissan Subaru Kia Hyundai and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program is critical in helping fund our programs that provide apartments and supportive services to homeless families while they work to reclaim their lives," said Vicky Joseph, founder of Families Helping Families. 

While charities and civic organizations know that their local automotive dealer is an integral part of the community and deeply involved in its organization, the dealers often don't receive the recognition they deserve. 

"The Chicagoland Dealers Care program began in 2008 as an effort to deliver year-round support to local charities and amplify the efforts already put forth by Chicagoland new-car dealers," said John Webb, chairman of the CATA.  

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since 1992, the association has raised more than $34 million dollars for significant Chicago charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public.