CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

CHICAGO (Feb. 7) — Eighteen area charities tonight shared in more than $2.3 million raised by the 2014 Chicago Auto Show’s benevolent event, First Look for Charity, and two attendees left with the keys to new vehicles.

About 9,000 people attended First Look for Charity, helping to raise $2,334,623. The event is held the evening before the annual auto show opens its 10-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 Kurt Schiele, 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 $250 each, and purchasers can elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity for which they have an affinity. For the event, the auto show floor is replete with a variety of food and beverage stations.

A highlight of the evening this year was the drawing for two grand prize vehicles: a 2014 Toyota Corolla and a 2014 Toyota Highlander. This year’s event awarded the Corolla to Ed Burke, of Naperville; and the Highlander to Mario Pacheco, of Chicago.

Misericordia, one of the participating charities, benefited doubly from Burke’s presence. First, Burke donated the proceeds of his ticket purchase to benefit the home to more than 600 children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Then, upon winning the car, Burke said he would donate the Corolla to the nonprofit.

Pacheco said he usually takes an annual trip to his native Mexico to visit his brothers. Now, Pacheco said he is excited to have a new vehicle in which to take the trip. Pacheco’s ticket purchase benefited the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities.

Other organizations participating in the 2014 First Look for Charity included the 100 Club of Chicago, Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Clearbrook, The Cradle Foundation, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Franciscan Community Benefit Services.

Also, Franciscan St. James Health, the Illinois Spina Bifida Association, JDRF, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, March of Dimes, Special Olympics Illinois, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

First Look for Charity and the Chicago Auto Show are presented by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, representing the new-car dealers of Chicagoland and northwest Indiana.

CHICAGO (November 7, 2013) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and Gregory Hyundai presented a check to The Keystone Foundation for $1,500 as part of the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program. 

The Chicagoland Dealers Care program helps to deliver additional financial support and advocacy to local charitable organizations already put forth by Chicagoland new-car dealers. Gregory Hyundai has been a longtime financial supporter of The Keystone Foundation, the fundraising arm that supports Glenkirk and Search, two agencies with 100 years combined service that help people with developmental disabilities. 

"The support from Gregory Hyundai and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program is critical in helping fund our programs that empower hundreds of people with developmental disabilities, and their families, every day," said Rachel Langtry, director of development for The Keystone Foundation. 

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

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

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since 1992, the association has raised more than $36 million dollars for significant Chicago charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. 

CHICAGO (Nov. 7, 2013) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and Jennings Chevrolet donated $1,500 to Advocate Charitable Foundation to support the Adult Down Syndrome Center, as part of the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program. 

The Chicagoland Dealers Care program helps to deliver additional financial support and advocacy to local charitable organizations already put forth by Chicagoland new-car dealers. Jennings Chevrolet has been a longtime financial supporter of Advocate Charitable Foundation and the Adult Down Syndrome Center, which helps enhance the health and well-being of teens and adults with Down syndrome. 

"Thanks to the generous Chicagoland Dealers Care contribution to Advocate Charitable Foundation, the Adult Down Syndrome Center will be able to use those funds to provide much needed, specialized care to this segment of patients," said Robert Barto, director of development for Advocate Charitable Foundation. "Through such generous support, excellent specialized medical care can continue to be provided to these patients throughout the year."

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

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

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since 1992, the association has raised more than $36 million dollars for significant Chicago charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public.

CHICAGO (Nov. 7, 2013) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and Tom Peck Ford presented a check to the Animal House Shelter of Huntley for $1,500 as part of the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program. 

The Chicagoland Dealers Care program helps to deliver additional financial support and advocacy to local charitable organizations already put forth by Chicagoland new-car dealers. Tom Peck Ford has a long history of providing financial support to the Animal House Shelter and even donated a vehicle to help safely transport rescue animals to the shelter.

"This donation couldn't have come at a better time for our shelter," said Cindy Ritter, director of the Animal House Shelter. "The funds will be greatly utilized in the form of providing food and medical care to the animals. It's extremely hard for us to make ends meet, but with the help of the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, we're able cover a lot of expenses to ensure proper treatment and care for our rescues."  

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

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

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since 1992, the association has raised more than $36 million dollars for significant Chicago charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. 

Erin's Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) For Change filmed the NBC 5 Chicago public service announcement last week - part of its prize for securing the most votes in the Chicagoland Dealers Care Facebook contest hosted last fall. 

The month-long philanthropic event enlisted the public to vote on DriveChicago.com's Facebook page for a local charitable organization. The charities were nominated by Chicagoland new-car dealerships, and the voters - more than 91,000 of them - deemed which charities should receive extra financial support. In this case, local dealership Joe Rizza Ford, longtime financial support of Erin's AAIM for Change, entered the charity into the contest. Erin's AAIM for Change took first place and received the grand prize of a $3,500 donation and a public service announcement to help market the cause. 

The final PSA will appear in November 2013 on NBC 5 Chicago. For more information on Erin's AAIM for Change, please visit http://www.erinsaaimforchange.org.

CHICAGO (August 16, 2013) - On a mission to raise both awareness and funds, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) teamed up with the USO of Illinois this summer to host community fundraising events in more than 40 communities. On July 20, 70 CATA dealerships joined forces and hosted individual USO Barbecue for the Troops events, collectively raising $37,500 for local troops and their families. The CATA conducted a formal check presentation yesterday during the USO of Illinois' Clark After Dark annual block party event.  

"The CATA's participation in USO Barbecue for the Troops has raised the bar in grassroots support, both locally for our USO of Illinois, and nationally at USO locations across the country," said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble.

"At a time when many Americans are enjoying their summer, perhaps taking their liberties for granted, folks like the dedicated members of CATA and those who have contributed to the Barbecue for the Troops effort are pausing to remember the sacrifice our troops and their families still make, every day, in service to our nation. Their expression of gratitude, collectively through this initiative, is an inspiration and will be of great support to USO of Illinois military support programs and services," said Ruble. 

One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will support troops deployed and at home; military families; wounded, ill and injured troops as well as families of the fallen.

"I can genuinely speak on behalf of the CATA membership when I say that, as an association, we're proud to be a part of such a great cause and we're already looking forward to next year," said CATA Chairman John Webb. "Once again, thank you to our heroes, both home and away, for all that you do to serve our country." 

The USO Barbecue for the Troops is a national fundraising campaign that encourages organizations and communities to host barbecues and raise funds for local USO programs and services. 

CHICAGO (July 15, 2013) -  On a mission to raise awareness and funds for local troops and their families, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) has enlisted its dealership members to host a USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraising event on July 20. On that same day, more than 60 dealerships representing more than 40 communities across Chicagoland will fire up the grill, offer "free" services, such as car washes, and collect donations to support the USO of Illinois. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will support troops deployed and at home; military families; wounded, ill and injured troops as well as families of the fallen.

"Many CATA dealers already provide support to military groups and returning service men and women, so we knew the USO Barbecue for the Troops idea would resonate tremendously among our membership," said CATA Chairman John Webb. "This is a great way to employ the community of new car dealers in Chicago for the benefit of a great organization." 

"The USO Barbecue for the Troops is a program committed to raising awareness of the continued need to support the troops," said Jessica Dolan, VP of Development at the USO of Illinois. "We're very thankful to have the support of the CATA and its member dealers, as they have a strong impact in Chicago-area communities." 

The USO Barbecue for the Troops is a national fundraising campaign that encourages organizations and communities to host barbecues and raise funds for local USO programs and services.

CHICAGO (Feb. 8) - Eighteen area charities tonight shared in more than $2 million raised by the 2013 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 $2,216,000, boosting its total to nearly $37 million over 22 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 Michael Ettleson, 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 $250 each, and purchasers can elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity for which they have an affinity. For the event, the auto show floor is replete with a variety of food and beverage stations.

A highlight of the evening was the drawing for the event's grand prizes, a 2013 Buick Encore and a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. Julie Becker of Wadsworth won the former and Dacien Barry of Barrington Hills won the latter.

The proceeds of Becker's ticket purchase benefited The Cradle Foundation; Barry's purchase was designated to benefit the 100 Club of Chicago. Other organizations involved in the 2013 First Look for Charity included Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; and Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet.

Also, Clearbrook; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Franciscan St. James Health; the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities; JDRF; the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (formerly Children's Memorial Hospital) and March of Dimes.

And, Misericordia; Respiratory Health Association; Special Olympics Illinois; Spina Bifida Association of Illinois; and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

The Santa Fe Sport was provided compliments of Hyundai Motor America and Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Hyundai Dealers. The Encore was provided compliments of Buick and Chicagoland Buick-GMC Dealers.

CHICAGO (2013) - The 2013 Chicago Auto Show served as a backdrop for a Chicagoland Dealers Care check presentation held on the last day of the public show on February 18. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) donated $8,000 to 16 local charitable organizations, nominated by Chicagoland dealerships, as a part of the Chicagoland Dealers Care program.

In December 2012, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program hosted a public-facing Facebook contest. The month-long contest enlisted the public’s vote for the charitable organization, brought forth for consideration by local dealerships, they deemed most worthy of financial support. While three of the 19 charities were eligible for the grand prize donations – consisting of $3,500, $2,500 and $2,000 – 16 charitable organizations weren’t granted the extra financial aid. In an effort to provide support and awareness to the remaining 16 charities, the CATA elected to donate $500 to each with an official presentation held at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. 

“The 2013 Chicago Auto Show was a perfect backdrop for the Chicagoland Dealers Care check presentation to 16 local charitable organizations,” said Chicago Automobile Trade Association Board of Director Ray Scarpelli. “Chicagoland new-car dealers are an integral part of our community and deeply involved in charitable causes, and the presentation at the Chicago Auto Show allowed us to recognize and applaud their efforts on a grander scale.” 

The 16 beneficiaries, nominated by local Chicagoland dealerships, include: 

•    Turning Pointe Autism Foundation (Dan Wolf Automotive Group)
•    DuPage PADS (Continental Motors of Naperville)
•    Restoration Ministries (Oak Lawn Toyota)
•    American Cancer Society/Making Strides against Breast Cancer (Phillips Chevrolet of Frankfort)
•    A Safe Place (Autohaus on Edens)
•    Hyundai Hope on Wheels (Webb Hyundai)
•    Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (Schaumburg Toyota) 
•    American Cancer Society/Making Strides against Breast Cancer (Webb Chevrolet Oak Lawn)
•    The ComPadres (Bredemann Lexus)
•    American Cancer Society/Making Strides against Breast Cancer (Bill Jacobs Plainfield)
•    Diveheart (Bill Kay Chevrolet)
•    MorningStar Mission Ministries (Bill Jacobs Joliet)
•    St. Cyril and Methodius School (Jack Phelan Chevrolet)
•    Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. (Fox Valley Volkswagen)
•    School of St. Mary (Classic Toyota)
•    American Cancer Society/Making Strides against Breast Cancer (Advantage Chevrolet)

The Chicagoland Dealers Care program was designed to provide year-round support to local nonprofit organizations and amplify the efforts already put forth by Chicagoland dealers. For more information on Chicagoland Dealers Care, please visit www.chicagolanddealerscare.com. For more information about the Chicago Auto Show, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.