CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

CHICAGO (Nov. 19, 2019) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, donated $1,500 to GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park, a local charity that delivers purposeful programming to families with Down syndrome. The CATA's donation came in conjunction with Community Honda of Orland Park and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, an initiative that matches CATA dealer donations of up to $1,500 for local charitable organizations.

"Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disability in our country; however, it is the least funded," said Diane Husar, founder and board member of GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park. "We must continue to show the world what individuals with Down syndrome are truly capable of achieving as students, co-workers, volunteers, friends and valued members of their communities to ensure lasting acceptance. GiGi's Playhouse offers those skills and helps change individuals' lives through consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs - from the time of prenatal diagnosis all the way through adulthood."

CATA Chairman Bill Haggerty and President Dave Sloan toured the Tinley Park-based facility to learn firsthand about its programs and services. 

"When we entered GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park, the first visual I saw was families and young children sitting around a learning carpet," said Haggerty. "Everyone was happy, smiling and singing along to an educational song, led by one of the facility's volunteers. I was blown away by the quality and professionalism of the organization, and felt fortunate to see the direct, positive impact that GiGi's Playhouse has on these families." 

"The CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program was designed to help our dealer members' dollars go a bit further as well as bring light to these amazing organizations that are doing so much good, right within their local communities," said Sloan.

GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park is privately funded, and maintains running the organization through community business donations, such as Community Honda and the CATA, as well as private donors. One hundred percent of the services offered to local families are free; they have an open-door policy so no one feels left out. One of GiGi's big annual fundraisers is its spring gala, which will be held May 1, 2020.

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park. 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 more than $53 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 about GiGi's Playhouse Tinley Park or its gala fundraiser, please visit https://gigisplayhouse.org/TinleyPark/. 

CHICAGO (Oct. 24, 2019) - This week the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, donated $1,500 to The Bridge Teen Center based in Orland Park, Illinois. The donation came in conjunction with Planet Honda and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, an initiative that matches CATA dealer donations of up to $1,5000 for local charitable organizations. Planet Honda has been an active supporter of The Bridge Teen Center for nearly a decade since the center opened in 2010.

The Bridge Teen Center offers free afterschool programs to teenagers, grades seven to 12, ranging from culinary demonstrations and music lessons to homework support and community service projects. The center's holistic afterschool programs and weekend entertainment events are designed around the interests and needs of teens in the Chicago suburbs, providing a safe and positive environment away from negative influences. 

"The CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program not only helps our member dealers' dollars stretch a little further for impactful organizations, but it also helps to put a spotlight on new-car dealers' generosity and charitable work within their communities," said CATA Chairman Bill Haggerty. "We were completely mesmerized and blown and away by the quality of The Bridge Teen Center in regards to its facilities, educational opportunities and entertainment programming." 

The Bridge Teen Center has served more than 8,000 different teens and families from 128 Chicagoland and northwest Indiana communities since its inception nearly a decade ago. Just last year, the center set a new record of serving a total of 1,521 different students. Those students checked in at The Bridge Teen Center more than 11,500 times throughout the year. Currently, attendance at The Bridge Teen Center ranges from 250 to 450 students per week.

"The Bridge Teen Center is built by the community, for the community," said Rob Steinmetz, founder and director of marketing and development for The Bridge Teen Center. "The car dealer community has risen up to embrace this place, and they want to support us because it's the right thing to do - not because they want their logo advertised on our walls. We're extremely humbled by that."  

Co-founder Priscilla Steinmetz echoed the sentiment. "The support from car dealers has been amazing; they pour so much positivity into the lives of our students. We even have a mock automotive service department at the center where we pull cars in and students interested in the automotive technician trade can get hands on experience," she said. "Many of these sessions are led by service directors within the local car dealer community; they simply donate their time." 

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like The Bridge Teen Center. 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 more than $53 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 (Oct. 15, 2019) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), recently matched Joe Cotton Ford's $1,500 contribution to the Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council, as a part of the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program. 

"The CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care match program not only helps our member dealers' dollars stretch a little further for these charities, but it also helps to put a spotlight on new-car dealers' generosity and charitable work within the communities," said CATA President David Sloan. "Joe Cotton Ford is a prime example of a dealership that consistently spreads goodwill to those in need." 

The main mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices by instilling in them the values of the scout oath and law. Specifically, the Three Fires Council operates three districts across four counties locally, annually servicing 14,000 youth through its outdoor educational program. These programs primarily focus on developing leadership skills and community engagement. 

"We believe that the outdoors is the perfect environment for a classroom, and we're able to multiply our efforts through partners like Joe Cotton Ford," said Zachary Knoch, Ottawa district director, Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council. 

"Joe Cotton Ford has been a generous supporter of our efforts to engage youth in positive experiences that build them into better citizens of their communities, our nation and the world," continued Knoch.

Joe Cotton Ford Vice President and General Manager Tracy Conn initially became interested in the Three Fires Council as his son, Jason, started as a youth scout in the organization ten years ago. Just last year, Jason was named "Scout Master" of one of the two troops within the National Youth Leadership Training at Camp Big Timber - a powerful, week-long BSA program that centers around what a leader must be, must know and must do. Camp Big Timber recently underwent a major renovation, to which Jason and the entire Joe Cotton Ford dealership volunteered their time. 

"It's that personal connection ... knowing firsthand what the Boy Scouts did for our son, we want to give back to the organization so that others are able to receive the same experience," said Tracy Conn.  

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 more than $53 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. 

To learn more about the Boy Scouts of America, please visit www.BeAScout.org. To specifically learn more about the Three Fires Council, visit http://adventure.threefirescouncil.org/. 

CHICAGO (Aug. 19, 2019) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the Chicago-area's new-car dealer association, partnered with the USO of Illinois to host Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers for the seventh consecutive year. This summer, 115 local dealerships fired up their grills to host community Barbecue for the Troops events featuring everything from patriotic ceremonies, to 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 $146,500 for local military and their families. 

"The money that's raised here, stays here," said CATA Chairman Bill Haggerty. "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!" 

Since the program's inception in 2013, the area's new-car dealers have raised nearly $900,000 to support USO of Illinois initiatives with more than 600 fundraisers taking place over the course of seven years. These funds enable the USO of 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 Midwest Regional President Alison Ruble. "What started as a grassroots effort has now turned into nearly $900,000 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 of 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 of Illinois selected Maria Castrellon, who nominated her husband, Javier. In Castrellon's submission, she noted, "Javier is an example of what a soldier should be; always dedicated to his work but never overshadowing the love he has for his family. After a long day's work, Javier always manages to find a way to support and encourage his three children, from soccer tournaments to daddy-daughter dances. For more than 20 years, he's lived this military life moving from one place to another without any regrets." This summer, Javier and Maria Castrellon will enjoy the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue for 50 family members and friends, complete with mouth-watering barbecue fare from Real Urban Barbecue and a special visit by Chicago Blackhawks Ambassador Chris Chelios.

To celebrate another successful program, CATA board members joined the USO of Illinois onstage at Clark After Dark last week to present their check for $146,500. Clark After Dark is the USO's annual summer street festival fundraiser, held in the heart of Chicago's River North district. It's dubbed "Summer's Last Hoo-ah!" 

The CATA and USO of 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 18, 2020.  

CHICAGO (July 24, 2019) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), recently matched Arlington Heights Ford's $500 contribution to Elite Stars Foundation, a charitable organization offering unique gymnastics programs to individuals with special needs - both developmental and physical.

"The CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care match program not only helps our member dealers' dollars stretch a little further for these charities, but it also helps to put a spotlight on new-car dealers' generosity and charitable work within the communities," said CATA President David Sloan. 

"During a visit to Elite Stars Foundation's practice facility, I was able to get an inside look at how this wonderful organization helps people with limiting disabilities," said Tony Guido, co-owner of Arlington Heights Ford. "As a local business and dealership owner in Arlington Heights, we take pride in helping people in need right here within our community. Arlington Heights Ford applauds Elite Stars Foundation for all of their remarkable work helping individuals with special needs." 

Elite Stars Foundation began its gymnastics training program 15 years ago to help individuals with special needs of all ages.

"Having a daughter with special needs in the Elite Stars program, I'm able to see firsthand the incredible impact the organization has on these individuals," said Elite Stars Foundation President Michael Jones. "For the first time this year, the Elite Stars gymnastics team competed professionally in Orlando, Florida; it was such an amazing and emotional experience for the team, coaches, staff and parents of the athletes. We are so thankful to Arlington Heights Ford and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association for their collective donation of $1,000. That generous contribution will go a long way."

Elite Stars Foundation attracts gymnasts throughout the area, ranging from Chicago, Schaumburg and South Barrington. The programs are designed to empower all athletes to reach their highest potential, both physically and mentally. Education, training, diet, nutrition, fitness, wellness and community involvement are all a part of its unique program that works to develop well-rounded individuals.

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 more than $53 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 Elite Stars Foundation, visit http://elitestars.org/. 

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.