CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

CHICAGO (November 23, 2015) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, donated $1,500 to support the Jason McKie Foundation. Founded by former Chicago Bears player Jason McKie in 2008, the charitable group helps raise funds and spread advocacy for local veterans. McKie grew up on the military base as his father served as a master sergeant for the United State Air Force and continues to serve as a government contractor in the Pentagon. Muller Acura of Merrillville already contributed $2,000 to support the foundation, and its dealer principal Glenn Muller even competed in a charitable boxing match last month to help raise additional funds and awareness for the veteran-oriented organization. 

“While there are many honorable national organizations that help support military and veterans, I felt there was an opportunity to create a foundation that helps support local veterans to give back to all they’ve sacrificed in the name of our country,” said Jason McKie, founder of the Jason McKie Foundation for veterans. “It’s people like Glenn Muller and organizations like Muller Acura of Merrillville that help drive our organization’s mission forward – it’s a great example of neighbors helping neighbors.” 

Through the foundation, McKie has been able to establish scholarships for military dependents, whose parents have been severely injured. Additionally, the foundation gives away tickets to various sporting events, donates holiday gift cards and provides emergency assistance for medical and financial bills for military families. 

Muller Acura of Merrillville was introduced to Jason McKie through a local boxing gym. Muller has a passion for boxing, as does McKie, and the love of the sport brought them together to make a positive impact in the community.

“I find it extremely admirable that Jason McKie wanted to bring advocacy to military groups on a local level; he’s an example of someone who uses his status in such a positive way to help shed light on some of the people who need the most support,” said Muller. “I am now a board member of the organization to help oversee the fundraising initiatives as I truly believe in the foundation and fully support the cause.” 

Charities and civic organizations know that Chicagoland new-car dealers are an integral part of their communities and are often deeply involved in charitable causes. However, dealers rarely receive the recognition they deserve for their ongoing efforts. The CATA created the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to help bring awareness to causes that matter the most to local dealers and to lend additional financial support. Since its inception, the program has donated more than $60,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. 

CHICAGO (August 25, 2015) -  Throughout July, Chicagoland’s new-car dealers fired up their grills to host USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers which brought in more than $121,000 for the USO of Illinois and local troops. As a culmination to the month-long campaign, Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) board of directors presented the check to the USO of Illinois during the USO’s Clark After Dark fundraiser last week.

The CATA formed a partnership with USO of Illinois three years ago to help raise awareness and funds for local troops. Since the beginning of the partnership, CATA dealers have raised more than $250,000 through the USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative where, on average, 70 dealers throughout Chicagoland communities host barbecue fundraisers on the same day in July. In its first year, CATA dealers generated $37,500 through the USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraising events. Last year, that number more than doubled to $90,000 raised. The goal was to beat $100,000 this year, and the dealers more than exceeded that by bringing in $121,000. In addition to the funds raised, dealers dedicated many hours and all of the essential resources needed to make each barbecue a special event for their communities.   

“I feel very proud and honored to lead this association of dealers,” said Mike McGrath Jr., CATA chairman. “As a dealer myself, I have a huge sense of pride as I know firsthand the hard work that goes into coordinating these events. We had 70 dealers leading the charge and rallying their individual communities to raise funds and awareness for Illinois troops. It does not at all surprise me that CATA dealers far surpassed the fundraising goal from last year. What some might not recognize is that dealers are already deeply rooted within their communities and constantly strive to make a difference. The CATA’s partnership with the USO of Illinois is a natural fit and a cause that dealers can appreciate and, demonstrably, fully support.” 

Last fall, the USO of Illinois awarded the CATA with the USO Salute to Leadership Award during its Star-Spangled Salute Gala in recognition of the association’s year-round commitment and support of local troops. As producer of the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA waives the show entrance fee for active-duty members of the military to show gratitude for their service.

“With this generous donation, the CATA has set the bar high yet again and the USO of Illinois is truly grateful,” said Alison Ruble, USO of Illinois president and CEO. “Thanks to the grassroots efforts of 70 Chicagoland dealers that participated this year, funds raised through the USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative will help the USO of Illinois continue to provide vital programs and services that deliver care and comfort to the more than 330,000 military and military families that we serve every year, and send a clear message that our Illinois communities appreciate their service to our nation.” 

To help raise awareness of the dealership fundraisers, the CATA coordinated a social media contest using the hashtag #BBQ4Troops. The contest grand prize was the Ultimate Backyard BBQ, which included cooking demos and barbecue fare from Real Urban Barbecue’s head chef, a special visit from a Chicago Blackhawks ambassador and a grill from Big Green Egg Chicago. More than 100 people submitted entries and Kathy C. from Oswego, Ill., won with 67 percent of the votes. Next month, the CATA will thank her nephew, an active military member, by throwing him the Ultimate Backyard BBQ – the first time in a while he will be reunited with family and friends before being deployed next month.

The CATA and the USO of Illinois are already planning the USO Barbecue for the Troops events for next year. The 2016 date will be Saturday, July 16. For more information on the CATA and this program please visit www.cata.info 

CHICAGO (Feb. 13) - Eighteen area charities tonight shared in more than $2.5 million raised by the 2015 Chicago Auto Show’s benevolent event, First Look for Charity, and two attendees left with the keys to new automobiles.

The event raised $2,510,714, one of the more prosperous tallies for the 24-year-old black-tie fundraiser. About 9,500 people attended First Look for Charity, held the evening before the auto show opens this year’s nine-day public run.

“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 John Webb, 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 were $250 each, and purchasers could elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity for which they had an affinity. For the event, the auto show floor is replete with a variety of food and beverage stations.

A highlight of the evening is the drawing for a new vehicle, the event’s grand prize. This year’s event featured two 2015 model-year prize vehicles: a Ford Explorer and a Ford Fusion. Joe Alexander, of Joliet, held the winning ticket for the Explorer; and Chicagoans Mike and Eileen Mertens won the Fusion.

A past member of the Misericordia Heartracers, Alexander said he has ran three marathons to raise funds for the nonprofit, which also is a First Look for Charity beneficiary. Now in graduate school, Alexander said he can’t devote the time to train for another marathon, so he supports Misericordia by attending benefits in which the charity is involved.

Fans of Chicago’s team on Major League Baseball’s junior circuit, the Martenses said they intend to take their new Fusion and “drive it down to spring training and watch the White Sox.” Proceeds of their First Look for Charity ticket purchase benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.

In all, 18 Chicago area charities profited from this year’s event. Other organizations included 100 Club of Chicago, Advocate Sherman Hospital, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Clearbrook, and The Cradle Foundation.

Also, Franciscan Community Benefit Service, Franciscan St. James Health, Ray Graham for the Association of People with Disabilities, Illinois Spina Bifida Association, and JDRF. 

And, the Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, March of Dimes, Special Olympics Illinois, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) presented the second annual Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship – a $1,000 grant – to John Hersey High School graduating senior Marissa Leff during a recent student assembly. The CATA established the Carol Cooling Scholarship in 2014 to honor John Hersey High School alum and long-time NBC Chicago Special Events Director Carol Cooling, who passed away two years ago following a battle with cancer. Leff was selected for the grant due to her student leadership roles and significant involvement in school activities.

“We started the Carol Cooling Scholarship last year to not only honor this amazing woman, but as another outlet for her spirit to live on in a way we believe she would’ve admired,” said CATA Chairman Colin Wickstrom. “Everybody knew Carol; she lit up any room. We were fortunate to have known her, and our hope is that her legacy can live on through this scholarship.” 

The CATA, producer of the Chicago Auto Show, worked closely with Cooling year-round but predominantly surrounding the show period to coordinate NBC’s live Chicago Auto Show TV special. Cooling was the strong foundation to a successful partnership that led to multiple Emmy wins for the Chicago Auto Show TV special.

“Carol Cooling was someone who made the places she went a better place, and I feel honored to exemplify her characteristics,” said scholarship recipient Marissa Leff. “With the help and generosity of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, I am able to go on to college to make the world a better place as Carol did.” 

John Hersey High School personnel were also honored to have selected Marissa Leff selected as the recipient of the second annual Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship. 

“Carol was someone who made a positive impact on those around her, and Marissa certainly embodies this trait,” said John Hersey High School Assistant Principal John Novak. “An honors student, Marissa also excelled in the area of Fine Arts, where she was the glue to several of our performing groups. She certainly goes out of her way to make sure that her peers have a memorable experience in all that they do. We are thankful that the Chicago Automobile Trade Association continues to honor a Hersey student in honor of Carol.”

John Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply for the Carol Cooling Scholarship again next year. The CATA will fund the scholarship for a total of 10 years.

CHICAGO (Dec. 16, 2014) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) along with Sutton Ford donated $1,500 to Empowering Men and Women for Recovery II, a charitable group dedicated to stop violence and help those affected by poverty and drugs in Chicago’s south suburban communities.

Charities and civic organizations know that Chicagoland new-car dealers are an integral part of their communities and are often deeply involved in charitable causes. However, dealers rarely receive the recognition they deserve for their ongoing efforts. The CATA designed the Chicagoland Dealers Care program to spotlight the charitable efforts that local new-car dealers already support within their communities and to deliver additional financial support and advocacy to these organizations.

Sutton Ford first became involved with Empowering Men and Women for Recovery II last summer by sponsoring its “Stop the Violence Day” Summer Jam Festival. The event helped raise funds for the less fortunate as well as distribute canned goods and toys to those who need it the most.

“This organization makes a significant impact in the lives of young people throughout the south suburbs,” said Sutton Ford Dealer Principal Nate Sutton.

According to Calvin Fox, vice president of Empowering Men and Women for Recovery II, people living in south suburban communities such as Harvey and Dolton continue to experience poverty, substance abuse and a decline in literacy scores. The charitable group’s mission is to flip this downward trend around.

“Our primary purpose is to restore lives within our communities,” said Fox. “We cover everything from providing nutrition, diet and exercise programs to supplying medical professionals to help addicts recover.”

The organization even hosts resume workshops complete with mock interviews to help recovering drug addicts or school dropouts secure a solid job.

As producer of the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA will also offer show tickets to Empowering Men and Women for Recovery II to help provide a positive event experience to a select teen group.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since 1992, the association has raised nearly $40 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.

To learn more about the CATA’s involvement in the cause, watch this short video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2LckLvTya4. For more information on the CATA please visit www.cata.info.

CHICAGO (Nov. 3, 2014) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), comprised of more than 400  Chicagoland new-car dealers, received the USO of Illinois Salute to Leadership Award during a special award ceremony at the 2014 USO Star Spangled Salute Gala. The USO of Illinois recognized the CATA and its member dealers for their leadership and involvement in the USO Barbecue for the Troops program, a national grassroots fundraising initiative aimed at supporting troops and their families.  

In 2013, the inaugural year of the program, CATA dealer members rallied together to host community events and collectively raised $37,500 – accounting for approximately 40 percent of the total funds raised nationally through this initiative. In 2014, the dealers not only exceeded last year’s fundraising benchmark, but more than doubled that amount elevating this year’s total to approximately $90,000 – totaling more than $125,000 in just two years.

“Because car dealers are, in many cases, family-run businesses with deep roots in their communities, the partnership with the USO of Illinois is a natural fit for our members,” said John Webb, CATA board of director and 2015 Chicago Auto Show chairman. “When the idea was presented to the CATA to host local barbecue fundraisers at dealerships across Chicagoland, we knew we could count on our members to go above and beyond – and that’s exactly what they did.” 

“We are so pleased to present the CATA with the 2014 USO Salute to Leadership Award,” said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble. “Through their tremendous support of the USO of Illinois with the Barbecue for the Troops initiative, they have set a shining example of the difference that grassroots, community support can make and represent the appreciation that the American people have for the service and sacrifices of our troops and their families.”

Beyond the USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative, the CATA is committed to supporting both active duty military and veterans year-round. As producer of the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA waives the show entrance fee for active-duty members of the military as a small gesture to thank them for their service. The CATA also ran a recent program called Operation Troop Train to train and hire veterans for careers in local automotive dealerships. 

“Although the U.S. military is the the real hero, we’re beyond humbled to receive the USO Salute to Leadership Award for our active role in supporting our troops,” said CATA Chairman Colin Wickstrom. “We look forward to advancing in our partnership with the USO of Illinois and providing support to local troops through the association’s year-round efforts. This is certainly a cause everyone can rally around.”  

To learn more about the CATA’s involvement in the cause, watch this short video:http://bit.ly/1ouBozb. For more information on the CATA please visit www.cata.info.

CHICAGO (Sept. 4, 2014) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) along with Autohaus on Edens donated $1,500 to A Safe Place, a leading advocate for eliminating domestic violence in northern Illinois, as part of the CATA’s charitable Chicagoland Dealers Care program.

Charities and civic organizations know that Chicagoland new-car dealers are an integral part of their communities and are often deeply involved in charitable causes. However, dealers rarely receive the recognition they deserve for their ongoing efforts. The CATA designed the Chicagoland Dealers Care program to spotlight the charitable efforts that local new-car dealers already support within their communities and to deliver additional financial support and advocacy to these organizations.

“A Safe Place serves more than 15,000 people each year. We’ve seen this number rise significantly over the past few years and expect that number to climb,” said Karen Szymanski, president of the Board of Directors of A Safe Place. “A Safe Place has been a well-kept secret, but the word is starting to get out, thanks to the help of advocates such as Autohaus on Edens and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association.”

Autohaus on Edens has been committed to helping A Safe Place for 15 years. Autohaus on Edens Dealer Principal Michael Rosengarden involved himself years ago because he saw the need to help a social service organization. 

“People assume social service organizations already receive the funding they need to operate, but that’s an unfortunate misconception,” said Rosengarden. 

Rosengarden, A Safe Place board member for six years, now also heads up the charity’s development committee. He’s proud to help lead an organization that directly helps victims and children witnesses of domestic violence. 

“According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, if domestic violence was to be viewed in the eyes of a disease, it would be called an epidemic as one in four women meet the standards of abuse,” said Szmanski. “We’re thrilled to have ongoing support, in the forms of both financial and time commitment, from Autohaus on Edens and are so thankful for the CATA’s additional generosity and advocacy.” 

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since 1992, the association has raised more than $39 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. 

For more details on A Safe Place visit www.asafeplaceforhelp.org. 

CHICAGO (Aug. 28, 2014) – For the second consecutive year, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association’s (CATA) new-car dealers joined forces with the USO of Illinois to host Barbecue for the Troops events at sixty-five dealerships on Saturday, July 19. The CATA host dealers not only exceeded last year’s fundraising benchmark, but more than doubled that amount elevating this year’s total to approximately $90,000. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will be donated to the USO to support local military and their families. 

“I am blown away not only by the commitment from our dealers to host barbecue fundraisers for the troops, but also the amount of time and effort dedicated to making these grassroots events just extraordinary,” said CATA Chairman Colin Wickstrom. “Whether a dealer’s event individually raised $100 or $10,000 for local troops, Chicagoans couldn’t miss the amount of advocacy and support felt throughout the communities on that single day in July.”  

“It’s not only the Chicago Automobile Trade Association that has mobilized its dealers, but it’s the dealers that mobilized their communities to support military members and their families, and we greatly appreciate their support,” said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble. “The $90,000 raised will directly help more than 300,000 military and military families locally.” 

Beyond the USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative, the CATA is committed to supporting both active duty military and veterans year-round. As producer of the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA waives the show entrance fee for active-duty members of the military as a small gesture to thank them for their service. The CATA also ran a recent program called Operation Troop Train to train and hire veterans for careers in local automotive dealerships. 

Because of the CATA’s year-round commitment and support of local troops, the USO of Illinois plans to publicly recognize the association with the Salute to Leadership Award during the USO Star-Spangled Salute Gala this fall. 

“We’re beyond humbled to be considered for the USO Salute to Leadership Award for our active role in supporting our troops,” said Wickstrom. “We look forward to advancing in our partnership with the USO of Illinois and providing support to local troops through the association’s year-round efforts. This is certainly a cause everyone can rally around.” 

CHICAGO (Jun. 11, 2014) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) presented the Carol Cooling Scholarship – a $1,000 grant to a deserving graduating senior who is heavily involved in school clubs or activities and holds leadership positions – to John Hersey High School senior Kimberly Roman last week during a school assembly. The CATA established the Carol Cooling Scholarship to honor John Hersey High School alumna and long-time NBC Chicago Special Events Director Carol Cooling, who passed away late last year after a battle with cancer.

The CATA describes Cooling as someone who worked tirelessly on behalf of the station, its employees and its business partners and made a positive impact on those with whom she came in contact. John Hersey High School administrative staff identified Kimberly Roman as someone who exemplifies these commendable traits and is deserving of the scholarship. 

“I really appreciate what the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is doing to help students and honor Mrs. Carol Cooling,” said scholarship recipient Kimberly Roman. “I am honored to have been selected as someone who exemplifies Carol Cooling’s characteristics.” 

Roman plans to attend Indiana University in the fall, and has already been admitted to its Kelley School of Business to study accounting and finance. She plans to put the scholarship funds towards college. 

“We are very appreciative of what the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is doing to honor the wonderful Carol Cooling,” said John Hersey High School Assistant Principal John Novak. “She left a great legacy that will live on through this scholarship.”

“Those who were fortunate enough to have known Carol were no doubt touched by her passion for her work – not to mention her huge heart,” said CATA Chairman Colin Wickstrom. “Carol’s enthusiasm was contagious, her character admired and her work ethic unmatched. Our hope with the Carol Cooling Scholarship is to touch young people’s lives the way she touched ours, in the way she would’ve wanted her spirit to live on.” 

John Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply for the Carol Cooling Scholarship again next year. The CATA will fund the scholarship for 10 years. 

CHICAGO (Mar. 14, 2014) – The Chicago Auto Trade Association (CATA) today announced a $1,000 scholarship available to John Hersey High School seniors to honor school alumna and long-time NBC Chicago Special Events Director, Carol Cooling, who passed away late last year after a battle with cancer.

“NBC and the CATA have worked together for many years, and Carol Cooling was always crucial to the success of the Chicago Auto Show and our benevolent preview of the show, First Look for Charity,” said John Webb Chairman of the CATA. “Carol came through for us in many different ways and her work ethic was unmatched. We wanted to make sure she is remembered as a caring, hard working person with a huge heart, and hopefully inspire some young person to do the same,” said Webb.

In establishing the scholarship, the CATA described Carol this way: 

Carol Cooling, a graduate of Hersey High School, was someone who made a positive impact on those around her every day of her life. As Special Events Director for NBC Chicago, she worked tirelessly on behalf of the station, the people who worked there, and those who were business partners of NBC. She treated everyone she met with love and respect. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association, whose members were recipients of Carol’s wonderful gifts, wants to honor a Hersey High graduating senior who best exemplifies the character traits of Carol Cooling.

“We are very appreciative of what the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is doing to honor the wonderful Carol Cooling. She left a great legacy that will live on through this scholarship,” John Novak, John Hersey High School assistant principal. 

Students who apply must be graduating by the end of the year, and be planning to attend a post-secondary institution in the fall. The scholarship is looking for a student who is heavily involved in clubs and activities, along with leadership positions. Financial need and academic performance are considerations for the scholarship as well. 

CATA will fund the Carol Cooling Scholarship for 10 years. John Hersey High School students wishing to apply must have their application in by May 15, 2014.