This past Saturday, the Chicago Automobile Trade again partnered with the USO Illinois to host the 10th annual USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers. More than 80 local new-car dealerships rallied their communities to host fundraising events which featured everything from patriotic ceremonies, classic car shows, live music, games for kids of all ages and, of course, barbecues.

To date, this year’s fundraiser has brought in nearly $50,000 for the USO and online fundraising efforts will continue throughout the summer. Since the program’s inception, CATA dealers have rallied to raise more than $1 million to support USO programs and services with more than 600 fundraisers taking place.

“New-car dealers are pillars of their communities and so it makes a lot of sense for the dealers to rally their neighbors for this grassroots fundraiser, all in support of local troops and their families,” said Kelly Webb Roberts, Chicago Automobile Trade Association chairwoman. “Last summer we achieved a major fundraising milestone and we look forward to adding to that running total with this year’s barbecue.”

“The support of service members’ hometown communities and local new-car dealerships has allowed USO Illinois to positively impact more than 300,000 service members and their families annually through hundreds of programs and services as well as our 10 USO Centers across Illinois,” said Christopher Schmidt, USO Illinois Executive Director. “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 Illinois and all those who serve our nation, we thank all of the participating dealers and their communities for the generous support,” Schmidt continued.

For more information on the CATA, visit www.cata.info. For more information on the USO Illinois, please visit https://illinois.uso.org/.