CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

Chicago (Feb. 11, 2023) - The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity gala brought in more than $2.5 million to benefit 18 local charities, and two attendees left with the keys to a new vehicle.

Held the evening before the auto show opens its 10-day public run, the black-tie benefit raised $2,520,465, bringing the 31-year total funds raised to $60 million. 

“First Look for Charity is one of Chicago’s finest one-day fundraisers and we are thrilled to have such a great turnout this year to support the charities,” said Kevin Keefe, 2023 Chicago Auto Show chairman. “On behalf of the Chicagoland new-car dealers, we couldn’t be prouder to host this benevolent event that directly impacts our communities.”

As the name of the event implies, those who attend First Look for Charity are part of the premier viewing of each year’s Chicago Auto Show. Tickets to the fundraiser are $275 each, and purchasers can elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity of their choosing. For the event, the auto show floor is replete with live entertainment and a variety of gourmet food and beverage stations.

A highlight of the evening was the drawing for the event’s grand prize vehicles: a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid and a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, compliments of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Honda dealers and Chicagoland Subaru dealers.

The first winner, Patty R., Chicago resident and Misericordia supporter, said “First Look for Charity is one of my favorite events! I have been eyeing the CR-V for a few years. [I am] happy to see it is a hybrid and now it's mine!"

Winning the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek was Eddie H. of Chicago. “Thank you to Subaru for donating to such a wonderful charitable event. My family and me are thrilled to be the lucky winners.”

The 2023 First Look for Charity beneficiaries include: 100 Club of Illinois; Advocate Health Care; the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Glenwood Academy; Habitat for Humanity; the Jesse White Tumbling Team; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; and Misericordia; New Star; Special Olympics Illinois; Susan G. Komen, Chicago; and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.

November 17, 2022 This week the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) matched Gregory Hyundai Genesis’ dealership donation of $1,500 to the Highland Park Community Foundation’s July 4th Shooting Fund. The contribution was made possible by the CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care initiative in which the CATA matches an area new-car dealer’s donation to a charity of their choice. 

The check presentation was held at Gregory Hyundai Genesis in Highland Park and included CATA President David Sloan; Gregory Auto Group President Gregory Mauro alongside representatives from Gregory Hyundai Genesis; Highland Park Community Foundation Executive Director Terri Olian; and Highland Park Councilmember Annette Lidawer.

 This donation to the Response Fund is not the first from Mauro. Gregory Auto Group hosted a community block party and blood drive in August at Gregory Hyundai Genesis where all proceeds benefited the Fund. Plans are already underway to make this an annual event. 

 “I’ve been a part of the Highland Park community for over 40 years and when this tragedy struck our community I knew immediately I needed to do something. As a local business owner, I had to do something,” said Mauro. “The work that the Highland Park Community Foundation is doing is crucial to helping the healing process and I’m glad to support that however I can. I am grateful for the CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program as it helped to extend my donation just that much further for this wonderful organization.” 

 The Highland Park Community Foundation, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, sprang into action in July after the horrific shooting during the town’s 4th of July parade and established the July 4th Highland Park Shooting Repsonse Fund to support the victims and survivors of the mass shooting. The Fund reached a total of $5.8 million and was dispersed to victims, families of the deceased, those who were injured, and local nonprofits supporting victims this past October. When the Fund closed, the Highland Park Community Foundation immediately opened the July 4th Recovery Fund to address continuning mental health needs of the community stemming from the shooting.  

 “Donations poured in from across the country, and even overseas, but the way our local businesses, like Gregory Auto Group, immediately stepped up to provide support, without hesitation, was incredible,” said Olian. “There is still so much work to be done and continued support needed. Thank you to Greg and the CATA for their generous donation.” 

 Because new-car dealerships are closely woven into the fabric of their local communities, many individuals and organizations turn to dealers in a time of need. The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like the Highland Park Community Foundation. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $123,500 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $58 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 not only helps stretch our member’s donation dollars for wonderful organizations like this, but it also shines a spotlight on new-car dealers’ positive impact within their communities,” said CATA Chairman JC Phelan. “We applaud local dealers like Gregory Hyundai Genesis for their very generous contributions to support their community.”  

To learn more about the Highland Park Community Foundation, please visit www.hpcfil.org, and to learn specifically about the July 4th Response Fund, please visit july4fund.org.  

NEW YORK (Oct. 18, 2022) - (New York, NY, October 18, 2022) – The nomination of Ray Scarpelli, dealer principal at Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Fox Lake, Illinois, for the 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced today by TIME. 
 
Scarpelli is one of a select group of 48 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 106th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Dallas, Texas, on January 27, 2023.  

The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Scarpelli was chosen to represent the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) in the national competition – one of only 48 auto dealers nominated for the 54th annual award from more than 16,000 nationwide.

“The lessons I have learned in the retail auto business and the people I have been lucky enough to know and work with have all contributed to the foundation of who I am today,” nominee Scarpelli said.

A 1984 graduate of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, where he studied automotive marketing and management, Scarpelli has always been fascinated by cars. His father, Raymond Scarpelli Sr., owned a Chevrolet and Oldsmobile store, and Scarpelli relished his time there as a child.

“From an early age, my dad set an example that you should treat your customers the way you would want to be treated,” Scarpelli said. “Of course, it made all the sense in the world.”

Scarpelli later moved into the service department, was a lot attendant, washed cars and worked in the body shop. When it came time to look for a college, he let his passion for autos drive his decision. He chose Northwood University, where he could learn automotive marketing, management, accounting, service, parts and general operations – all the tools he would need to run a successful dealership. He also participated in hands-on activities, like the student-run outdoor Northwood University International Auto Show. 

After college, Scarpelli worked in sales at his family’s Raymond Chevrolet Oldsmobile and continued his real-world education. He worked his way up through the ranks to become dealer principal of Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Fox Lake.

Over time, Scarpelli worked hard to grow the family business, adding key employees and improving customer satisfaction and service. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children who are now part of the dealership operation and the next generation to join the family business. He and his family also are active members of the Fox Lake community, and they reside in a town near the dealerships. 

Scarpelli has held leadership positions for the CATA and served as chair of the Chicago Auto Show in 2019, overseeing the First Look for Charity black-tie gala. This popular fundraising event attracts car enthusiasts who also have a passion for philanthropy. 

“In 2019, we raised $2.8 million for our charity partners, all of which are in the local area,” he said. “I was personally involved in selecting Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago as a beneficiary.”

Other groups that benefitted from the successful event include Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Special Olympics Illinois and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, among others. 

Scarpelli is also proud of the partnerships he has created to support community nonprofit groups, organizations and schools. One of his favorites is the Big Play Program which rewards four local high schools by donating $25 for each “big play” achieved, including home runs, touchdowns, soccer goals and others.

“Over the years, we have donated more than $350,000 to support student athletes,” he said.

When the McHenry Outdoor Theater, a drive-in located in McHenry, Illinois, reopened following pandemic restrictions, Ray Chevrolet treated 350 families to tickets to a free movie. Scarpelli was also an early champion of the CATA’s USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraising initiative that, over the years, has collectively raised more than $1 million to support USO Illinois, local military and their families. 

In addition, he hosts quarterly blood drives for Versiti Blood Center of Illinois; Toys for Tots toy drives; Christmas parties for children in-need; food drives to support Grant Township Food Pantry; and donates vehicles to driver’s education programs and to local police departments.

“Our greatest strength is our relationship with the community,” he said. “And our friends, customers and neighbors are an extension of our family.”

Dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country. A panel of faculty members from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan will select one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists will receive $5,000 for their favorite charities and the winner will receive $10,000 to give to charity, donated by Ally.
 
In its 12th year as exclusive sponsor, Ally also will recognize dealer nominees and their community efforts by contributing $1,000 to each nominee’s 501(c)3 charity of choice. Nominees will be recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of TIME Dealer of the Year nominees.
 
“For over 50 years, TIME has been committed to recognizing the impact of automotive dealers on their communities with the TIME Dealer of the Year award," said Edward Felsenthal, editor in chief and CEO, TIME. "We are proud to continue the legacy of honoring these works of service with our partners at Ally.”

Doug Timmerman, president of dealer financial services, Ally, said, “Auto dealers across the country who are nominated for this award each year are committed to not only doing it right and leading in a rapidly changing automotive industry but to strengthening their communities through giving back. The TIME Dealer of the Year program celebrates dealers who are the role models of the retail auto industry for their continuous efforts to lift up and support their employees, customers and communities.”

Scarpelli was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by the CATA Board of Directors. For more information, visit TIME Dealer of the Year.

CHICAGO (July 22, 2022) - For the ninth year, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the Chicago-area's new-car dealer association, partnered with the USO Illinois to host Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers. This summer, 63 local new-car dealerships fired up their grills to host community Barbecue for the Troops events featuring everything from patriotic ceremonies, classic car shows, live music, games for kids of all ages and, of course, barbecues. The dealerships rallied their communities once again, bringing in more than $81,000 for local military and their families.

"CATA dealerships are committed to giving back to their communities, and the USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative is one great example of dealers helping people in need - right in our own backyards!" said CATA Chairman JC Phelan. "This year is especially wonderful because of the $1 million fundraising milestone we achieved and I am so proud to present this check to USO Illinois on behalf of all participating dealers."

This year's fundraiser brought the grand total of the nine-year program to more than $1 million overall, supporting the USO Illinois initiatives with nearly 700 fundraisers. These funds enable the USO Illinois to lend support to more than 326,000 service members and their families annually.

"We are overwhelmed with the amount of support we have seen this year from our partners at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and the local new-car dealerships," said USO Illinois Executive Director, Christopher Schmidt. "What started as a grassroots effort has now turned into more than $1 million in support for our local service members and their families."

In addition to the community fundraisers, awareness spread via social media. The CATA and USO Illinois ran a #BBQ4Troops social media contest where people could nominate individuals they deem worthy of winning the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue. Entries poured in throughout the month of July; wives nominated husbands who served overseas, parents nominated children who are active duty military and friends nominated deserving friends and neighbors.

Ultimately, the CATA and USO Illinois selected Tim Kilpatrick, who was nominated by his wife. In her submission, she noted, "Tim is a Marine Corp Veteran and Veteran of Foreign War who is a devoted father and husband. He is an extremely hard worker and puts 100% into everything he does." This summer, the Kilpatrick's will enjoy the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue for 20 family members and friends, complete with mouth-watering barbecue fare from Mission BBQ. The runner-up, Michael Duzenski, nominated by Michelle White, honorably served in the Navy for 20 years. Michael will receive a summer-themed basket from the USO including a signed Bears football, USO swag and a bags yard game set.

To celebrate another successful program, CATA board members joined the USO Illinois onstage at Clark After Dark last week to present their check for $77,100. Clark After Dark is the USO's annual summer street festival fundraiser, held in the heart of Chicago's River North district.

"This program could not have been a success without the incredible support of our media partners," said Phelan.  "Many thanks are due to all of our partners in TV, radio and outdoor advertising media who helped us promote this worthwhile program.  And a special thanks to ABC 7 for producing the TV spot that aired throughout the market."

The CATA and USO Illinois are already planning for next year. The USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraising events are set to take place at local new-car dealerships on Sat., July 15, 2023. 

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

CHICAGO (May 18, 2022) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) presented the 2022 Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship to John Hersey High School graduating senior Grace Listopad. The CATA, Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association and producer of the Chicago Auto Show, established the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship–a $1,000 grant–to honor Carol Cooling. Carol was Hersey alumna and long-time NBC 5 Chicago Special Events Director who died in 2013 following a battle with cancer.

The CATA worked closely alongside Cooling during the annual productions of NBC's Chicago Auto Show TV special and developed a lasting relationship that went beyond the production of the special. Cooling was the strong foundation to a successful partnership that led to multiple Emmy Award 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.

“This scholarship is very personal for us as we look for ways to keep Carol’s legacy and larger-than-life outlook alive and are honored to present this year’s scholarship to such an outstanding student,” said Jen Morand, president of the CATA and general manager of the Chicago Auto Show. 

“Every year, the Hersey business teachers select one standout senior that not only took all of our business classes but stood out amongst the rest of a very impressive Hersey student body. Grace Listopad would have stood out any year, but because of the last two years of COVID craziness, she really stood out,” said Hersey business teacher, Daniel Vesper. “While many students used their remote learning on Zoom to shut their cameras and brains off, Grace was one of only a few students to have her camera on. It was so refreshing to see her face instead of a one inch by one inch ‘G’ icon. We also got to hear her voice because she was still answering our questions and asking her own. I never thought that would be something that made a student stand out, but COVID did help bring to light a person's true character, and Grace's character is unmatched.”

Listopad will graduate from Hersey High School this month and attend Northern Michigan University this fall where she plans to study Sustainable Business and Enterprise Creation which match two of her passions: business and making the world a better place.

Vesper added, “As impressed as I was with Grace as a business student and a district, regional, state and nationally recognized DECA Business Club competitor, it was her creation of the "Pack Up Homelessness" project that made me the proudest of her. Over the last two years, Grace has used her National Honor Society platform to help collect thousands of dollars’ worth of donated items for people who need more help than others. And that defines what Grace is about...others. Grace will do anything in her power to make someone's day better and our society, business community, and world need people like her leading us to the better world she will help create.”

"Carol Cooling was the type of person I am working to be. She made a positive impact on many lives. My volunteerism throughout my life has made a positive impact and I will continue to make a positive impact, just like Carol,” said Listopad. “I am honored to receive this scholarship. I cannot wait to expand my education even more at Northern Michigan University while carrying the spirit of Carol Cooling with me.”

Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply for the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship again next year.

CHICAGO (Feb. 11)- At a time still challenged by a pandemic, 17 area charities tonight shared more than $1.5 million raised by the 2022 Chicago Auto Show's benevolent event, First Look for Charity, and two attendees left with the keys to new vehicles.

The black-tie benefit, which is held the evening before the auto show opens its 10-day public run, raised $1,516,010, boosting its total raised to more than $58 million over 30 editions.

"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 Bill Haggerty, chairman of this year's auto show. "All the benefiting charities are involved locally, so the money that's raised in Chicago stays in Chicago."

As the name of the event implies, those who attend First Look for Charity are part of the premier viewing of each year's Chicago Auto Show. Tickets to the fundraiser are $275 each, and purchasers can elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity of their choosing. For the event, the auto show floor is replete with live entertainment and a variety of exquisite food and beverage stations.

A highlight of the evening was the drawing for the event's grand prizes, this year two 2022 models: a Buick Enclave Avenir and a GMC Yukon Denali. Two Chicagoans took top honors. Vasiliki Katris went to the event when a family friend who could not attend gave his ticket to her, then she listened as that ticket's stub was drawn from the drum for the Yukon. Richard J. Green Jr. reached the stage almost immediately to claim the Yukon.

The proceeds from Katris's ticket went to Franciscan Community Benefit Services, one of the event's benefiting nonprofits. Green directed his ticket purchase to be shared by all 17 charities. Other participating nonprofits included the 100 Club of Illinois, Advocate Health Care, the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Also, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Glenwood Academy, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen Chicago, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children.

And, Misericordia, New Star, Special Olympics Illinois, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

The Enclave and Yukon both were compliments of Buick-GMC and the Chicagoland Buick-GMC dealers.

CHICAGO (Dec. 2, 2021) - This holiday season, local car dealers have teamed up with charitable organizations to help fulfill the holiday dreams of less fortunate children. Area dealers from Fox Lake to Tinley Park understand the vital impact their businesses have on the communities they serve, which is why they're going the extra mile for causes such as Toys for Tots and the Humanitarian Service Project. 

"Chicagoland's new-car dealers are the pillars of their communities and among the first to donate to local organizations in need," said Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) Chairman Kevin Keefe. "This holiday season is no exception."

Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Fox Lake is again partnering with Jeeps on the Run (JOTR), a local Jeep enthusiast club and the largest donating group to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program in Lake County. On Sunday, Dec. 5, more than 700 Jeeps are anticipated to participate in the 25-mile, fully escorted JOTR caravan that kicks off at the dealership and culminates at the historic Genesee Theatre where Jeep owners will offload their Toys for Tots donations to the U.S. Marine Corps. 

"I started Jeeps on the Run nearly a decade ago as a family-oriented Jeep enthusiast club, but it has since evolved into a not-for-profit organization that gives back to charitable organizations all year long," said JOTR President Mike Missak. "Jeeps on the Run has become a tradition for local families and, to many, it's the kick-off to the holiday season. We simply wouldn't have the success we do if it wasn't for our supporters such as Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram." 

JOTR is requiring advance registration for the event. The fee is $25 per Jeep and those who also purchase a raffle ticket will automatically be entered to win a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, donated by Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

"We're thrilled to be the primary sponsor for this wonderful cause for the second year in a row," said Ray Scarpelli Jr., owner of Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Ray Chevrolet, also in Fox Lake. "We experienced so much success last year and saw firsthand the joy it brought to families in need, so it was a no-brainer for us to be involved again this year." 

Friendly Ford in Roselle is hosting its annual "Fill a Ford" Toy Drive in partnership with the Humanitarian Service Project to ensure that each and every child in DuPage and Kane Counties who live in poverty will have gifts to open at Christmas.

Now through Dec. 7, community members and those in surrounding areas are encouraged to bring in new and unwrapped toys for kids of all ages to Friendly Ford. The dealership will "fill a Ford" with all of the toys and transport them to the Humanitarian Service Project for distribution to local families. Furthermore, Friendly Ford will match each toy with its own donation. 

Apple Chevrolet out of Tinley Park is also collecting new and unwrapped toys for children of all ages now through Dec. 11 in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program. The dealership is encouraging people to help them reach their goal of filling eight Chevy Silverado pickup trucks full of gifts to help bring holiday cheer to less fortunate children. The dealership is also offering the option for people to ship a present directly to the dealership; they will take care of the distribution to Toys for Tots. 

"We've partnered with Toys for Tots for eight consecutive years, as what better way to bring joy to those in need and give back during the holiday season," said John Alfirevich, owner of Apple Chevrolet. "People can drop of toys at our dealership anytime through Dec. 11, and on that day, we will be hosting holiday fun for local families including a DJ, balloon-making and even an appearance from the jolly guy himself, Santa." 

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 CATA is the area's new-car dealer association and has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. The association has donated more than $100,000 to local charitable organizations through its Chicagoland Dealers Care program, which helps expand on CATA members' donations and shine a spotlight on new-car dealers' positive impact within their communities.

CHICAGO (Oct. 28, 2021) - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this week the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) matched Gregory Auto Group's donation of $1,250 to Women and Children's Horizon, an organization that provides support, shelter and education for local victims of sexual and domestic abuse. The contribution came via the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care initiative in which the CATA matches an area dealer's donation to a charity of their choice. 

The check presentation was held at Gregory Infiniti Libertyville and included CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe, also a local Honda and Subaru dealer; CATA President David Sloan; Gregory Auto Group President Gregory Mauro; Libertyville Mayor Donna Johnson; Lake County Sheriff Deputy Chief Edward Jenkins; and representatives and supporters of Women and Children's Horizon. 

"I've been in the car business for 40 years and have employed staff members who have experienced domestic abuse and trauma first-hand," said Mauro. "This cause is extremely important as domestic violence affects millions of people in this country and causes not only physical - but also mental - harm to the victims involved. I am grateful for the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program as it helped to extend my donation just that much further for this wonderful organization." 

One of Women and Children's Horizon supporters in attendance was Lisa Fuller, mother of Bianca Vite who was brutally murdered by Vite's husband on Christmas Day 2012. She was 21. Prior to this incident, there hadn't been any reports of domestic violence related to this case. 

Fuller happened to be one of Mauro's previous employees.

"We hope that by sharing Bianca's story, we can help others who are domestically abused and hopefully even save people's lives," said Fuller. "There's just not enough awareness out there, so we are trying to do our part by advocating on Bianca's behalf - and for everyone in her shoes." 

Women and Children's Horizon has provided services to those in need for 40 years. They offer shelter for up to 35 women and children, access 24 hours per day/seven days a week, safety planning, police reporting services, legal guidance and individual therapy. 

Because car dealerships are closely woven into the fabric of their local communities, many individuals and organizations turn to dealers in a time of need. The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like Women and Children's Horizon. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated $122,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $56 million for significant 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 not only helps stretch our member's donation dollars for wonderful organizations like this, but it also shines a spotlight on new-car dealers' positive impact within their communities," said Keefe. "We applaud local dealers like Gregory Auto Group for their very generous contributions to help people who desperately need this support."  
To learn more about Women and Children's Horizon, please visit www.wchkenosha.org. 

CHICAGO (May 19, 2021) - Today the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area's new-car dealer association, presented the 2021 Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship to John Hersey High School senior Emily Seriruk. The CATA established the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship-a $1,000 grant-to honor Carol Cooling, a Hersey alumna and long-time NBC 5 Chicago Special Events Director who died in 2013 following a battle with cancer. 

As the producer of the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA worked closely with Cooling and NBC 5 to help facilitate the station's live TV auto show specials that garnered several Emmy Awards. When Cooling died, CATA leadership wanted to contribute to a cause that would enable her spirit to live on.

"At the time of Carol's passing, CATA Chairman John Webb had the idea to create this wonderful scholarship as a way to pay tribute to such an impactful, larger-than-life person," said David Sloan, president of the CATA and general manager of the Chicago Auto Show. "I continue to feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to present this scholarship to deserving Hersey High School students, and I am certain Carol would be touched to see her legacy live on in such an influential and positive way." 

The Hersey High School scholarship committee selected Seriruk as the recipient of the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship because she embodies many of the characteristics also used to describe Cooling. Attributions such as "driven, ambitious and resilient" are commonly used by Seriruk's teachers and peers.

"Taking the words from Emily's English teacher, Kyle Marquette, 'Emily is a fighter,'" said Hersey Assistant Principal John Novak. "She does not back down from challenges, but rather uses them as motivation to continually better herself." 

According to Novak, Seriruk has proven the ability to balance a rigorous academic schedule with her involvement in the peer tutoring program Service Over Self, the Asian American culture club, the math team and the badminton team. 

"As if these activities weren't enough to fill her time, Emily also held a part-time job outside of school," said Novak. "Her determination and can-do attitude are what set her apart from other scholarship candidates." 

Novak commented that "Emily truly embodies the characteristics of the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship. She treats people with respect and has the ability to make a positive impact on those around her. We are thankful to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association for honoring such a deserving young adult in Carol Cooling's memory."

Seriruk will graduate from Hersey High School this month and attend the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) this fall where she plans to study chemical engineering. Seriruk will apply her scholarship to help pay for her UIC tuition where she looks forward to gaining the necessary knowledge and skills needed to become a chemical engineer. 

"I've heard that Carol Cooling radiated positivity and made a great impact on everyone in her life, and I strive to do that as well, whether it's from simply tutoring my peers or planning to improve people's lives through solving real-world problems as a chemical engineer," said Seriruk. "I believe I met the requirements of the scholarship because I am driven to work hard to achieve my goals, including maintaining a 4.73 GPA and financially helping my mom from a young age."


"I am beyond grateful to have received this scholarship, and I can't even begin to explain how much it means to me," Seriruk continued. "I really wish I could have met Carol Cooling as she exemplified the type of person I strive to be. Her accomplishments demonstrated her passion and hard work that result in achieving great things. I am honored to carry on her legacy by graciously taking this scholarship and applying it to my own education to pursue a career where I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of others."

Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply for the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship again next year. 

To learn more about the CATA, please visit www.cata.info.

CHICAGO (Mar. 31, 2021) - The family of renowned automotive enthusiast, racer, and entrepreneur John Weinberger has teamed with TechForce Foundation to offer a series of scholarships to benefit students who aspire to follow in his footsteps. Application deadline is April 30, 2021. 

The John Weinberger Drive to Care Legacy Scholarships support students with awards of up to $10,000 across a broad spectrum of automotive career disciplines: Automotive Engineering; Vintage Automotive Restoration; Automotive Dealership Management, Marketing and Communications; and Automotive Technician. Students who meet the following criteria are eligible for awards:

• SAE-Chicago section automotive students enrolled in the engineering program at the University of Illinois-Chicago or Northern Illinois University; 
• McPherson College students pursuing historic automotive technology;
• Lyons Township High School (Illinois) automotive students enrolled in a post-secondary school to pursue a career in the automotive industry;
• Illinois or Texas students pursuing a career as an automotive technician and enrolled in any local community college that offers an automotive program or Universal Technical Institute (UTI);
• Northwood University students pursuing skills in car dealership management, marketing and communications.

The scholarships are offered in partnership with TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to champion students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. To apply for one of the scholarships, visit www.DrivenToCare.org.

The scholarship offerings reflect the interests, experiences, and expertise of John F. Weinberger of Naperville, Illinois and Austin, Texas - a legendary force in automotive circles who built Continental Motors Group - one of the nation’s largest dealership groups - and enjoyed a lifetime of driving, racing, and tinkering with cars. Recipients will be selected by TechForce representatives and a group of John’s “car buddies,” in the Chicago and Austin areas, known as the “lunch bunch.”

“We want young people to dream what they want to dream,” said John’s wife Lisa about the creation of the scholarships. “John was able to turn his passion into his profession and was just so positive in everything he did. He measured success in smiles. He glowed. I hope to see a glimmer of my husband in each and every one of these students. That would fill my heart with his light.”

A respected and influential force in the industry, John served several terms on the boards of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, the Illinois Automobile Trade Association, and the American Import Auto Dealers Association. John also enjoyed racing and earned numerous podium finishes while competing in SCCA events during the 1960s. His exploits led to induction into the Road Racers Drivers Club, where he joined an exclusive group of famed drivers. He was also a board member of the Sports Car Club of America and an active member of various vintage racing clubs, including SVRA, VSCDA, and HSR. He continued racing until the age of 84 - and even took to the track after his passing on September 12, 2020 as his wife Lisa took the wheel of the hearse to lead a first-of-its-kind, high-speed funeral procession around the Circuit of the Americas race track.

These scholarships continue John and Lisa’s history of giving back to the community that began with the Continental Motors Group “Driven to Care” car giveaway program, which has seen the donation of nearly 100 refurbished cars to deserving individuals who have overcome challenges such as homelessness, substance abuse, and physical abuse. 

“John wanted car dealers to be seen in a different light,” said Lisa. “If every dealer in the country followed his example of reaching out to the community, of mentoring young people, and of providing networking opportunities, we could change a lot of things for the better.”

To learn more about John Weinberger and his history, visit www.johnweinbergerlegacy.com.