Chicago Automobile Trade Association and
USO Partner for 11th Year
CHICAGO, July 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Chicagoland's new-car dealers are firing up the
grills to raise awareness and funds for local military and their
families. The 11th Annual BBQ for the Troops community
fundraising events will take place throughout the area on
Saturday, July 13. More than 65
dealerships have signed on to support the cause and are planning to
offer a range of activities including patriotic ceremonies, classic
car shows, live music, games for kids of all ages and a freshly
grilled barbecue lunch.
Since the program's inception, Chicagoland
dealers have rallied to raise more than $1.1
million to support the USO.
Expanding the program to a month-long endeavor, participating
dealerships will also be making a donation to the USO for every
test drive at the dealership in the month of July.
Since the program's inception, CATA dealers have rallied to
raise more than $1.1 million to
support USO programs and services with more than 600 fundraisers
taking place.
"Supporting the USO and local service members and their families
is a cause everyone can rally around, and what better organization
to drive the effort than the local new-car dealers who are already
pillars of their communities," said Jason
Roberts, Chicago Automobile Trade Association chairman.
"What the dealers have been able to achieve over the last ten years
of this program is incredible and we are grateful to everyone who
has contributed to this collective fundraising effort that is so
crucial to support our troops."
"The support of service members' hometown communities and local
new-car dealerships has allowed the USO to positively impact more
than 300,000 service members and their families annually through
hundreds of programs and services as well as our USO Centers across
Illinois," said Christopher Schmidt, USO Executive Director.
"Neighbors helping neighbors through initiatives like BBQ 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 and all those who serve our nation, we thank all
of the participating dealers and their communities for the generous
support," Schmidt continued.
For those who can't visit a dealer BBQ for the Troops event on
July 13, fundraising will take place
online throughout the entire month of July. Those interested can
also make a donation online at
https://one.bidpal.net/bbq4troops/browse/donation.
To find the full listing of CATA dealer BBQ for the Troops
fundraisers, visit https://www.cata.info/2024-BBQ-for-the-Troops.
For more information about the USO, visit Illinois.USO.org.
About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded
in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the
nation's largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised
of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150
allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000
people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the
world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information
please visit www.CATA.info.
About USO
The USO is the leading nonprofit dedicated
to strengthening the well-being of the people serving in America's
military and their families. Since 1941, the USO has been by the
side of service members throughout their military service.
Impactful support is provided through our 250+ locations around the
world, a robust care package delivery program, global
entertainment, military spouse and youth programming, and much
more, all made possible by donors, corporate partners, volunteers
and staff. To learn more and support our critical mission around
the globe, please visit USO.org or follow us
on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association