CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

CHICAGO (July 31, 2017) – Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), matched Gerald Subaru of Naperville’s $1,500 donation to Junior Achievement of Chicago, collectively donating $3,000 to the charity through the CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care initiative. Junior Achievement of Chicago’s mission is to empower young people to own their economic success.

“Local new-car dealerships, such as Gerald Subaru of Naperville, play a vital role in their communities,” said CATA Chairman Ray Scarpelli, Jr. “The CATA began the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to build upon the charitable efforts of Chicagoland’s metropolitan dealers who graciously donate to causes all year round.”

Gerald Subaru of Naperville’s Director of Accounting and Finance John Dvorak, who has volunteered his time to the charity for more than a decade, heard about the Chicagoland Dealers Care program and nominated the charity for consideration.

“I still remember a Junior Achievement of Chicago volunteer – a stock broker – who visited my class in grade school,” said Dvorak. “He opened my eyes to the world of business and investing. I later started a small service and sales business as a kid, and began trading in my own brokerage account at 12 years old.”

“The more we educate young people on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, the stronger our community will be,” Dvorak continued.

Junior Achievement of Chicago’s Vice President, Suburban Operations, Derek Ernst says it’s evident that Gerald Auto Group and Gerald Subaru of Naperville truly believe in and are committed to investing in their communities.

“Gerald Auto Group is truly making a difference for the youth in both DuPage and Kane Counties,” said Ernst. “Gerald Subaru of Naperville, under the leadership of its General Manager Alec McKean, has been a key sponsor for Junior Achievement’s Annual DuPage Board Fundraiser, donating $7,500 over the last seven years, with a most recent donation of $1,500.”

McKean commented, “We are pleased to be able to support the volunteer efforts of our employees with financial donations. Employees such as John [Dvorak] exemplify the Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment – by not just helping the community with donations, but by actions.”

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

For more information on Junior Achievement of Chicago, visit:  http://www.jachicago.org. 

CHICAGO (June 6, 2017) - The Illinois Fatherhood Initiative (IFI) will honor Dan Marquardt - Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) board of director and vice president/partner of Marquardt of Barrington - as "Father of the Year" during the IFI's 20th annual Fatherhood Dinner Celebration tomorrow evening.

The country's first statewide nonprofit fatherhood organization, the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative has a mission of connecting children and fathers by actively engaging fathers in the education of their children. The initiative was established in 1997 to address the increasing problem of father absence in society. 

"I've been advocating for kids and dads for decades," said David Hirsch, founder of the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative and the 21st Century Dads Foundation. "As a result, I've met thousands of dads. Dan Marquardt exemplifies the best of the best."  

"When David called me with the news, I was nearly speechless. It is an incredibly humbling honor to receive such recognition," said Marquardt. 

As a dealership, Marquardt of Barrington Buick GMC has supported the IFI in a variety of ways for more than a decade, such as donating vehicles for fundraising raffles. Dan Marquardt, a father to nine children, also offers his personal time volunteering for the organization. One of his previous contributions involved reading through thousands of essays submitted to the IFI by Chicagoland students. 

According to the IFI, research indicates that 24 million children - 1.1 million in Illinois - are growing up in homes without fathers. Furthermore, children from fatherless homes are four times more likely to grow up in poverty and nine times more likely to drop out of high school. These children are also more likely to commit suicide, run away, have behavioral disorders, abuse drugs and alcohol, commit crimes and end up in prison, according to the IFI. 

Marquardt believes good parenting skills, along with personal convictions, also translate to the workplace. 

"There are a lot of parallels between being a father and an employer," said Marquardt. "We often look at our [Marquardt of Barrington Buick GMC] staff as one big family, and I strive to provide them encouragement along with clear expectations to ensure success."  

For more information on the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative, please visit www.4fathers.org. To learn more about the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, visit www.cata.info.  ​

CHICAGO (June 5, 2017) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicago metropolitan's new-car dealer association, presented the fourth annual Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship - a $1,000 grant - to John Hersey High School graduating senior Ashley Roscoe during a recent student assembly. The CATA established the scholarship in 2014 to honor Cooling, a Hersey High School alum, who lost a battle with cancer in 2013.  

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

"Having a positive influence on others was a strong trait of Carol's, something shared by our recipient this year, Ashley Roscoe," said John Hersey High School Assistant Principal John Novak. "Ashley has been extremely involved with helping others through our Service Over Self Program. She served as a coordinator for the Veteran's Initiative Program and A Soldier's Journey Home, helping to raise money to build a home in Spring Grove, Illinois, for a local veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Her desire to bring awareness to the plight of others in an effort to help better their circumstances has been a strong drive throughout her high school career. We are thankful that the Chicago Automobile Trade Association continues to honor a Hersey student in Carol's memory."

Roscoe plans to use the grant to help fund her college education. She will attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater this fall, where she will pursue a double major in Natural Resource Management and Criminology. 

"With the help of this scholarship, my hope is that I can attend college to learn how to protect our state and national parks as I aspire to be a conservation officer or a park ranger," said Roscoe. "I am beyond blessed to have received the Spirit of Carol Cooling scholarship, and cannot express enough gratitude to the Chicagoland Automobile Trade Association. Thank you to all involved who chose me as the recipient of this award."  

The CATA will fund the scholarship through 2024, and Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply again next year. 

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

CHICAGO (May 22, 2017) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, and the USO of Illinois announce the fifth consecutive year of the “Barbecue for the Troops” program. Over the past four years, 100 CATA dealerships have rallied within their communities to help raise nearly a half of a million dollars for the USO of Illinois. This year, local dealers are firing up their grills on Saturday, July 15. 

What began as a grassroots effort in 2013, when dealers agreed to set out a grill to help raise money for local troops, the USO Barbecue for the Troops program has evolved into a widespread metropolitan initiative that continues to gain momentum each year. In 2014, the USO of Illinois nominated the CATA to receive the prestigious USO Salute to Leadership Award due to the program’s success. The award was presented to the CATA at the USO Star-Spangled Salute Gala in recognition of its members’ personal and professional efforts in support of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“We’ve been blown away with the success of the program, and each year outpaces the previous with more funds raised, increased dealership participation and heightened awareness for the USO of Illinois and local military,” said CATA Chairman John Hennessy. “The amount of energy and resources that local dealerships pour into their barbecue fundraisers is unparalleled. Despite the fact that these dealerships represent different brands, they all come together in support of this great cause.”

“CATA dealerships are pillars of their communities and can rally their neighbors like not many are able. We’re thrilled to celebrate the fifth consecutive year of our partnership with the USO of Illinois, and we’re anticipating this year to be the biggest and best yet,” Hennessy continued. 

On July 15, approximately 100 dealerships will tap into existing relationships in their communities to add a personal touch to each fundraiser. Patriotic ceremonies, cook-offs, car washes, live music and games for kids of all ages are just a few highlights event attendees will be able to enjoy at dealerships across Chicagoland this summer. 

“The USO of Illinois has partnered with the outstanding team at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and local dealership partners to bring our USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative to new heights,” said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble. “The USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative has raised more than $420,000 to support local troops and their families. Chicagoland dealerships have helped make a difference in the lives of our service members and their families by bringing their hometown communities together to support the USO of Illinois with the Barbecue for the Troops program. Their growing support has made every year more successful than the last. In 2017, we are excited to announce the fifth year of the partnership and are proud to stand with the CATA and local dealerships in their efforts to help all those who serve our nation.”

In addition to the July 15 fundraisers at dealerships throughout the area, many dealerships will be hosting month-long fundraising initiatives that encourage customers to take advantage of donating throughout the entire month of July. Many host ongoing “loose change” drives in their service centers, where customers are encouraged to empty loose change from their cup holders to support the cause. Every cent helps.

Awareness will also spread via social media, where people are encouraged to post, tweet and share why they want to win the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue with #BBQ4Troops. Beginning July 1, fans can submit a photo or short video describing the reason they should win the Ultimate Backyard BBQ, including a private cooking demonstration by Real Urban Barbecue’s chef, and BBQ fare for the winner and 50 of their friends.

For the full listing of CATA USO Barbecue for the Troops events, please visit www.DriveChicago.com. For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit www.usoofillinois.org.

CHICAGO (May 9, 2017) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), donated $1,500 to the Loaves & Fishes "CARES" car program which provides transportation to working individuals in need. In addition to its car program, Naperville-based Loaves & Fishes serves the DuPage community by providing high-quality, healthy food; preventative care; educational opportunities; and wellness services to local individuals who live in poverty. 

The CATA created the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to build upon the charitable efforts of CATA's dealer members within their local communities. Continental Motors applied to the CATA for the most recent donation. Over the last six years, the Continental Motors family of dealerships has donated eight cars per year to Loaves & Fishes - an equivalent of $40,000 annually.

"It's not a surprise that Continental Motors has invested so much in an organization that betters its community," said CATA Chairman John Hennessy. "This showcases the vital role that CATA dealerships play to help support those within their areas of business."

Continental Motors of Naperville and Continental AutoSports Dealer Principal Joel Weinberger views his relationship with Loaves & Fishes as mutually-beneficial because his donation is positively impacting his dealership's community.

"We are so happy to work with such a great community partner like Loaves & Fishes. Their 'CARES' program enables us to match cars that we donate each year with individuals whose lives will really be transformed by having reliable transportation," said Weinberger. 

"The additional grant provided by Chicago Automobile Trade Association will go toward keeping the donated vehicles working properly so these individuals can safely and reliably get to work, school and other critical destinations," he continued.   

Loaves & Fishes provides food and support to approximately 19,000 people - nearly 5,000 families - in the Naperville area and throughout DuPage County. Specifically, 2,100 residents received services through the CARES program. 

According to the DuPage County Department of Community Services "2016 Community Needs Assessment," 170,000 DuPage County residents were considered low income - a 78 percent increase from 2000. Additionally, 65,000 DuPage County families are considered to be living in poverty.

"Since 2012, Continental Motors has donated 40 vehicles to individuals from our car 'CARES' program who were referred to us by social services agencies and who all lacked reliable transportation to get to work," said Janet Derrick, vice president of Loaves & Fishes CARES Programs. "We are extremely grateful to Continental Motors and the Weinberger family for their continued generosity and our long-time partnership which has helped 40 individuals create a bright future story for them and their families." 

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

For more information on Loaves & Fishes, visit www.loaves-fishes.org.  

CHICAGO (April 17, 2017) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) is pleased to award a $5,000 educational scholarship to local resident Edward Mavromatis. Currently enrolled at Northwood University, Mavromatis aspires to work in the automotive retail sector and is pursuing a degree in Automotive Marketing & Management. The scholarship is part of an ongoing initiative by the CATA to help provide training and education for its members.

Mavromatis is a graduate of Fremd High School in Palatine. At Northwood, Mavromatis helped organize the campus auto show, representing the Mitsubishi brand. Over the past two summers, Mavromatis worked as a porter at Napleton Jeep Dodge Chrysler Ram and as a detailer at Zeigler Maserati. This coming summer, he was selected to be an intern at Motor Werks of Barrington.

"This scholarship will help me financially at Northwood and inspire me to continually strive to be the best I can be," said Mavromatis. "One of my career goals would be to work for the Jeep brand as a marketing team member, and I am very grateful to say I received such a prestigious award."

The CATA has offered scholarships to Northwood students for more than 20 years. The scholarship is available to students whose parents or legal guardians work at a CATA-member dealership and to dealership employees considering a Northwood degree. For consideration, scholarship applicants must have a high school grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Continued eligibility is subject to maintaining a 2.5 GPA at Northwood.

"As a graduate of Northwood University, I have a special place in my heart for this scholarship," said Ray Scarpelli, CATA vice chairman. "A career in the automotive retail industry can be financially and emotionally rewarding and is an often-overlooked career path."

For more information about Northwood University and the CATA Northwood scholarship program please visit https://www.northwood.edu/documents/financial-aid/2014-2015/2014-2015-private-donor-scholarship-list.pdf. 

CHICAGO (Feb. 10) — Eighteen area charities tonight shared more than $2.8 million raised by the 2017 Chicago Auto Show’s benevolent event, First Look for Charity, and two attendees left with the keys to new cars.

The black-tie benefit, which is held the evening before the auto show opens its 10-day public run, raised $2,817,590, boosting its total to more than $47.5 million over 26 years. 

“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 Mike McGrath, 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 fund-raiser are $275 each, and purchasers can elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity or any one charity of their choosing. For the event, the auto show floor is replete with live entertainment and a variety of food and beverage stations.

A highlight of the evening was the drawing for the event’s grand prizes, a 2017 Lexus NX and a 2017 Acura TLX. Carpentersville’s Shane McDaniel won the former and Terry Miller, of Valparaiso, Ind., won the latter. 

The proceeds McDaniel’s ticket purchase benefited Advocate Health Care. Miller directed his funds to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, another of the event’s 18 benefiting nonprofits.

Other organizations involved in the 2017 First Look for Charity included the 100 Club of Chicago, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Clearbrook, and The Cradle.

Also, Franciscan Community Benefit Services, Franciscan Health Olympia Fields/Chicago Heights, the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, JDRF, and Susan G. Komen Chicago.

And, March of Dimes, Misericordia, Special Olympics Illinois, the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

The TLX was compliments of Acura Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; and the NX was provided by Lexus Division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

CHICAGO (Dec. 21, 2016) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) - Chicago area's new-car dealer association - matched Courtesy Buick-GMC's contribution of $1,000, together donating $2,000 to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry Community Harvest campaign through the Chicagoland Dealers Care program. Chicagoland Dealers Care helps support dealer members' charitable community initiatives financially and with public relations support. The Fregia family, who owns Courtesy Buick-GMC, is highly involved with charitable initiatives to give back to their community.

"Courtesy Buick-GMC is a perfect example of how car dealers are truly pillars of their communities," said CATA Chairman John Hennessy. "The Fregia family coordinated a food drive event surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday at their dealership that encouraged residents to donate food throughout the month of November. Then, on Thanksgiving morning, dealership staff volunteered to help organize the 70,000 pounds of food that came in through the drive. The CATA is happy to lend additional support to Courtesy Buick GMC's already amazing efforts." 

"Without Courtesy Buick-GMC's support, both financially and via volunteer work, we wouldn't be able to run an event of this caliber," said Community Harvest Committee Chair Judy Pelinski. "It's an amazing feat - all of the food we bring in through Courtesy Buick-GMC's food drive and the primary Thanksgiving drive feeds local residents from November all the way through August. Our hope in five years is to raise the food total from 70,000 to 100,000 pounds." 

Courtesy Buick-GMC Vice President Rik Fregia said the Community Harvest campaign is something he and his dealership employees believe in and can really get behind. 

"The overall need for food is increasing and, according to Feeding America, 63 percent of America is a month away from needing to access a food pantry," said Community Harvest Committee Vice-Chair Bill Eich. "The Crystal Lake Food Pantry serves more than 1,500 people throughout the community and, often times, it's people you'd never even suspect are hungry."

Shortly, the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and Community Harvest campaign will move into a brand-new facility that is about 10 times the size of their current space. As the food drive continues to grow, campaign organizers say it becomes extremely important to expand the warehouse where the food is stored.

Courtesy Buick GMC has plans to support the cause as long as it services the community.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated nearly $95,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised $44 million 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. 

CHICAGO (Sept. 19, 2016) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) presented a $1,500 check to the Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council, as part of its Chicagoland Dealers Care initiative. Joe Cotton Ford previously contributed $2,000 to the cause and helped advocate for the additional funds from Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association. The Chicagoland Dealers Care program was created by the CATA to support member dealers’ charitable community initiatives by providing additional financial support and advocacy to those in need.

“We’re grateful for all that CATA dealers do to lend support to their community, and our mission is to amplify those efforts,” said CATA Director Jay Hopkins. “Donating to the Boy Scouts of America is the perfect fit as it aims to impact local communities, and that’s exactly the role that CATA dealers play. Dealers are often first to be solicited for support from their neighbors, and they’re happy to help. However, often times, those stories aren’t told.”

 The CATA’s and Joe Cotton Ford’s contributions will directly support the Three Fires Council’s wide range of programs and services that help the well-established organization successfully train its volunteers, recruit more children and support the rich programs offered. In its 106th year, the Boy Scouts of America is nationally acknowledged, but most are surprised to learn that the funds raised locally stay local.

 “We’re so thankful for both the CATA’s and Joe Cotton Ford’s contributions to help local scouts,” said Three Fires Council District Director Amy Seyller. “These funds will allow us to put better resources into creating programs that impact our community’s youth.”  

The relationship between Joe Cotton Ford and the Three Fires Council hits close to home. Joe Cotton Ford Community Relations Manager Pam Conn’s son is deeply rooted in the Boy Scouts of America and continues to serve the community in which he resides – even as an adult.

“It’s amazing what these scouts do for their communities, and how invested they become in their individual projects,” said Conn. “Three Fires Council provides these kids with leadership skills from a young age and the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with adults. Not only is it a fantastic resume builder, but it instills in them at a young age the importance of giving back to their communities.”

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated nearly $95,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised $44 million 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. 

CHICAGO, Illinois (Aug. 19, 2016) - On July 16, 80 Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) dealers fired up their grills and hosted individual community fundraising events, collectively raising $160,000 - the highest amount to date - for the USO of Illinois. Participating dealers gathered last evening during the USO of Illinois' Clark After Dark event to formally present the check. 

"This is the fourth year that the CATA has partnered with the USO of Illinois on the Barbecue for the Troops effort, and we're thrilled that this program continues to gain momentum," said CATA Chairman John Hennessy. "It doesn't come as a surprise. Dealers are deeply rooted within their communities and this cause truly resonates with everyone. Rallying their communities in support of the USO of Illinois is one way dealers can show gratitude for all that U.S. troops do to keep us safe each and every day." 

Since the campaign's launch in 2013, Chicagoland's new-car dealers have raised more than $420,000 for the USO of Illinois, quite a feat for an initiative that started as a grassroots program where dealers would agree to set out a grill and a tin can. This past July, Chicagoans who visited their local new-car dealer's Barbecue for the Troops event found everything from patriotic ceremonies - including 21 gun salutes and the national anthem sung by American Idol stars - to giant inflatables for kids, to classic car shows, all to help draw interest and crowds to raise money for local troops. 

"This year, as we celebrate 75 years of connecting our service members to family, home and country, the USO of Illinois is very grateful to the CATA for their continued leadership and generous support that enables us to stay connected with more than 330,000 military and military families every year," said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble. "Thanks in part to the 100 local new-car dealers that have participated over the last four years, we are able to continue delivering programs and services to our service members that provide care and comfort and truly send an important message that the American people appreciate their service and sacrifices."

To help raise additional awareness for the dealership fundraisers, the CATA coordinated a #BBQ4Troops social media contest where one winner would be selected to receive the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue, a catered barbecue meal by Real Urban Barbecue for 50 friends and a special visit from Chicago Blackhawks great Tony Esposito. Rebecca Wilson from Oak Lawn was selected as the winner for her entry, which received 415 Facebook votes. She nominated her fiancé, a U.S. Army veteran, who will receive his Ultimate Backyard Barbecue later this summer. 

The CATA and the USO of Illinois already have big plans for the fifth anniversary of the USO Barbecue for the Troops events, which will be held across Chicagoland on Sat., July 15, 2017. 

For more information on the CATA, please visit www.cata.info. For more information on the USO of Illinois, please visit http://usoofillinois.org