CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

CHICAGO (Aug. 24, 2023) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the Chicago-area’s new-car dealer association, once again partnered with the USO to host the 10th annual USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers. More than 80 local new-car dealerships rallied their communities to bring in $100,453 for local military and their families. The barbecue events, held on July 15, featured everything from patriotic ceremonies, classic car shows, live music, games for kids of all ages and, of course, barbecues.

“This year’s fundraiser, raising more than $100,000, is the perfect example of what Chicagoland new-car dealers can do when communities come together and rally around this cause,” said CATA Chairwoman Kelly Webb Roberts. “We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the USO Barbecue for the Troops program this year and look forward to continuing our support of the USO and our local military and their families for the next decade.”

This year’s fundraiser brought the grand total of the decade-long program to more than $1.1 million, supporting the USO initiatives with nearly 700 fundraisers. These funds enable the USO to lend support to more than 300,000 service members and their families annually.

“We are so grateful for the support we receive from our partners at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and the local new-car dealerships,” said USO Illinois Executive Director, Christopher Schmidt. “This grassroots fundraiser has now raised more than $1.1 million in crucial funds that support our service members and their families. On behalf of the USO and all those who serve our nation, we thank all the participating dealers and their communities for their generous support not only this year, but over the last 10 years.”

The program culminated at last week’s event, the USO’s annual Clark After Dark block party in downtown Chicago. CATA board members presented their check to the USO for a total of $100,453.12.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible support we received from our media partners surrounding this fundraiser,” said Webb Roberts. “Many thanks are due to all our partners in TV, radio and outdoor advertising media who helped us promote this worthwhile program. A special thanks to ABC 7 Chicago for producing the TV spot that aired throughout the market.”

For more information on the CATA, visit www.cata.info. For more information on the local USO in Illinois, please visit Illinois.USO.org.

CHICAGO (July 27, 2023) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, recently donated $1,500 to the Chicago Community Works and Sports Alternative. The donation came via the CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program in conjunction with a $5,000 donation by Pugi Auto Group of Downers Grove. Through Chicagoland Dealers Care, the CATA matches up to $1,500 of a member dealer’s donation to local charitable organizations.

The Chicago Community Works and Sports Alternative was founded in 1991 as an anti-gang and drugs organization for students after school. One of the most well-known programs that Community Works and Sports Alternative produces is the Chicago Jokers football team, which greatly benefits from these donations by providing equipment and transportation for students on the football team. Many Jokers return to coach the team, and some even go on to have a professional football career. Most recently, Jokers alumni Jayden Reed was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

In addition to the Chicago Jokers football program, the organization also supports students through etiquette and mentoring programs. There are currently more than 80 students participating throughout the organization.

“We are proud to provide these students a safe place to come together,” said Eric McLendon, Chicago Community Works and Sports Alternative founder and president. “Now they have the courage and resources to say ‘no’ when faced with questionable decisions.”

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $125,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $60 million for Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, traditionally held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public.  

“The CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program makes our member’s donation dollars go further and also highlights the positive impact that new-car dealers have within their communities,” said CATA Chairwoman Kelly Webb Roberts. “We applaud local dealers like Pugi Auto Group for their very generous contributions to supporting their community.”

CHICAGO (May 24, 2023) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, today presented the 2023 Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship to John Hersey High School graduating senior Maya Wasilewski.

The CATA established the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship, a $1,000 grant, now in its tenth year, to honor Carol Cooling, a Hersey alumna and long-time NBC 5 Chicago Special Events Director who died of cancer.

Cooling worked closely with the CATA as a producer of the live productions of NBC’s Chicago Auto Show TV special, that won several Emmy Awards over the years. The CATA and Cooling developed a friendship that went far beyond the production of the specials.

When Cooling passed in 2013, the CATA wanted to keep her spirit alive by creating a scholarship that would allow her impactful legacy to live on. The scholarship is awarded to a Hersey High School student that highlights the positive spirit of Cooling.

“It is our absolute honor to present an award that helps carry on the legacy of such a remarkable woman and friend to an outstanding and inspirational student,” said Dave Sloan, president of the CATA and general manager of the Chicago Auto Show.

The Hersey High School scholarship committee selected Maya Wasilewski as the recipient of the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship because she embodies many of the characteristics used to describe Cooling. Wasilewski is a leader among her peers. Meaghan Waller, counselor at John Hersey High School states, “As well as maintaining high standards in academics, Maya has enrolled in several Hersey and community programs that would keep a small army busy.” She continued to add, “I truly find myself fortunate that I have been able to get to know such a fine young person.”

Maya is a very committed student who finds great importance in giving back to her community and making her school a better place. Inside the Hersey school walls, Wasilewski is the captain of the varsity cheerleading team, a peer tutor, biology aide, and a leader of gym class. Not to mention, she is a member of the World Language Honors Society and National Honors Society.

In her time outside of school, Wasilewski finds great importance in giving back to her community. She is involved in several volunteer service programs: SOS (Service Over Self), Feed My Starving Children, and works to facilitate elementary school fun fairs, to name a few. Recently, Wasilewski designed and facilitated an event where students wrote Valentine’s Day cards for the children at Northwest Community Hospital.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to apply and receive this award in Carol Cooling’s memory,” said Wasilewski. “Heading into college, Carol’s legacy is one that I will continue to apply in my life. I think what stuck out to me the most was the positivity she employed wherever she went. She was very passionate when it came to work, so, without a doubt, I will continue to appreciate her by displaying that same passion for my work.”  

This month, Wasilewski will graduate from Hersey High School and will be attending the University of South Alabama to pursue her passion for business.

For more information about the CATA, visit www.CATA.info.

CHICAGO (May 15, 2023) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, recently donated $1,500 to Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer. The donation came via the CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program in conjunction with a $10,000 donation by Napleton’s Countryside Mazda. Through Chicagoland Dealers Care, the CATA matches up to $1,500 of a member dealer’s donation to local charitable organizations.

The Violet Foundation was established in fall 2022 just months after the Napleton family lost 3-year-old Violet Napleton to brain cancer. In the last six months the foundation has raised just over $1M to provide funding to pediatric brain cancer research, clinical trials, and treatment options. Additionally, the foundation distributes small grants to support families with children who are being treated for pediatric brain cancer.  

“We are so grateful that CATA has supported Violet Foundation,” said Steve Napleton, President of Napleton’s Countryside Mazda and co-founder of Violet Foundation. “More children die of brain cancer than any other type of cancer, and the standard of care for some has barely changed in 60 years. The support of CATA and its members can make a meaningful difference in the advancement towards a cure.”

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like the Violet Foundation. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $125,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $60 million for Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, traditionally held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public.  

“The CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program was designed to help our member’s donation dollars go further and highlight the wonderful work they are doing in their communities,” said CATA Chairman JC Phelan. “In this case, we are also honored to help spread the word about the charitable work this foundation is doing. They sprang into action last fall following Violet’s passing and the entire Napleton family hasn’t stopped working to help others facing their same battle – it’s incredible.”

To learn more about Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer, visit www.violet-foundation.org.

CHICAGO (March 3, 2023) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland's new-car dealer association continues to show their care and support to the community by sponsoring Versiti Blood Center of Illinois and A Safe Haven food drive at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show. Emblematic of the new-car dealer members’ dedication to the community, the Chicago Auto Show’s annual blood drive and food drive each resulted in remarkable success. 

Versiti’s 2023 Chicago Auto Show Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive ran from February 11-20, during the public run of the show. Dennis Buckley, a former staff member of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, helped lead the auto show and was a driving force behind the blood drives. After passing away from cancer in 2004, the blood drive was named in his honor. It continues as the largest annual blood drive in the state of Illinois. 

This year at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, the Dennis Buckley Memorial Blood Drive collected an extraordinary 1,047 units of blood. Of the 928 people that registered, 658 of those individuals gave blood for the first time and 370 were diverse donors.

“We see a lot of first-time donors at the auto show, said Amy Smith, Versiti’s Director of Donor Services Operations.  “People are coming for the opportunity to look at the cars, but end up giving to a lifesaving mission while they are on the show floor.” 

“Out of all of our special event drives, we see the highest amount of first time and diverse donors that come through the auto show,” said Smith. “There is a great mix of diverse communities that come to the auto show and they tend to be the most giving.”

Smith explains that diverse donors are crucial because Versiti “ensures the right blood types and matches as we look at rare patients that need blood in the Black and Brown communities. We are constantly in need of O-Positive and O-Negative types of blood, as only four percent of the Black and Brown communities are giving blood.” 

A Safe Haven Foundation helps Chicagoans experiencing homelessness become self-sufficient through housing, healthy lifestyles, and employment. The new-car dealers of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association recognize the importance of helping those in their communities. With that, the Chicago Auto Show partnered with A Safe Haven’s Community Food Pantry that distributes food to families in Chicago. 

From February 15 through the 17, individuals who brought three cans of food to the Chicago Auto Show received a coupon of $5 off a full-price adult ticket. All the food brought was donated to A Safe Haven and will be distributed to families five miles from McCormick Place. Through the kindness of attendees of the Chicago Auto Show, the amount of food collected doubled from last year. This year, seven gaylord boxes were filled to the top. This equates to four tons of food and provides nutritious meals to thousands of families in need. 

"A Safe Haven is grateful to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association for their sponsorship of the Chicago Auto Show Food Drive and their continued partnership in addressing the issue of hunger in our community, said Mark Mulroe, A Safe Haven’s president.  “Each year, we receive thousands of canned goods to aid our pantry and other local food pantries in North Lawndale. This support helps us ensure that individuals and families experiencing homelessness and food insecurity have healthy meals and do not go hungry!”

“I am so humbled to be part of a group of car dealers that takes pride in giving back to the community and for making all of this possible for more than two decades, said Kevin Keefe 2023 Chicago Auto Show chairman.

Chicago (Feb. 11, 2023) - The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity gala brought in more than $2.5 million to benefit 18 local charities, and two attendees left with the keys to a new vehicle.

Held the evening before the auto show opens its 10-day public run, the black-tie benefit raised $2,520,465, bringing the 31-year total funds raised to $60 million. 

“First Look for Charity is one of Chicago’s finest one-day fundraisers and we are thrilled to have such a great turnout this year to support the charities,” said Kevin Keefe, 2023 Chicago Auto Show chairman. “On behalf of the Chicagoland new-car dealers, we couldn’t be prouder to host this benevolent event that directly impacts our communities.”

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

A highlight of the evening was the drawing for the event’s grand prize vehicles: a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid and a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, compliments of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Honda dealers and Chicagoland Subaru dealers.

The first winner, Patty R., Chicago resident and Misericordia supporter, said “First Look for Charity is one of my favorite events! I have been eyeing the CR-V for a few years. [I am] happy to see it is a hybrid and now it's mine!"

Winning the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek was Eddie H. of Chicago. “Thank you to Subaru for donating to such a wonderful charitable event. My family and me are thrilled to be the lucky winners.”

The 2023 First Look for Charity beneficiaries include: 100 Club of Illinois; Advocate Health Care; the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Glenwood Academy; Habitat for Humanity; the Jesse White Tumbling Team; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; and Misericordia; New Star; Special Olympics Illinois; Susan G. Komen, Chicago; and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.

November 17, 2022 This week the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) matched Gregory Hyundai Genesis’ dealership donation of $1,500 to the Highland Park Community Foundation’s July 4th Shooting Fund. The contribution was made possible by the CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care initiative in which the CATA matches an area new-car dealer’s donation to a charity of their choice. 

The check presentation was held at Gregory Hyundai Genesis in Highland Park and included CATA President David Sloan; Gregory Auto Group President Gregory Mauro alongside representatives from Gregory Hyundai Genesis; Highland Park Community Foundation Executive Director Terri Olian; and Highland Park Councilmember Annette Lidawer.

 This donation to the Response Fund is not the first from Mauro. Gregory Auto Group hosted a community block party and blood drive in August at Gregory Hyundai Genesis where all proceeds benefited the Fund. Plans are already underway to make this an annual event. 

 “I’ve been a part of the Highland Park community for over 40 years and when this tragedy struck our community I knew immediately I needed to do something. As a local business owner, I had to do something,” said Mauro. “The work that the Highland Park Community Foundation is doing is crucial to helping the healing process and I’m glad to support that however I can. I am grateful for the CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program as it helped to extend my donation just that much further for this wonderful organization.” 

 The Highland Park Community Foundation, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, sprang into action in July after the horrific shooting during the town’s 4th of July parade and established the July 4th Highland Park Shooting Repsonse Fund to support the victims and survivors of the mass shooting. The Fund reached a total of $5.8 million and was dispersed to victims, families of the deceased, those who were injured, and local nonprofits supporting victims this past October. When the Fund closed, the Highland Park Community Foundation immediately opened the July 4th Recovery Fund to address continuning mental health needs of the community stemming from the shooting.  

 “Donations poured in from across the country, and even overseas, but the way our local businesses, like Gregory Auto Group, immediately stepped up to provide support, without hesitation, was incredible,” said Olian. “There is still so much work to be done and continued support needed. Thank you to Greg and the CATA for their generous donation.” 

 Because new-car dealerships are closely woven into the fabric of their local communities, many individuals and organizations turn to dealers in a time of need. The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like the Highland Park Community Foundation. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $123,500 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $58 million for Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, traditionally held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public.  

 “The CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program not only helps stretch our member’s donation dollars for wonderful organizations like this, but it also shines a spotlight on new-car dealers’ positive impact within their communities,” said CATA Chairman JC Phelan. “We applaud local dealers like Gregory Hyundai Genesis for their very generous contributions to support their community.”  

To learn more about the Highland Park Community Foundation, please visit www.hpcfil.org, and to learn specifically about the July 4th Response Fund, please visit july4fund.org.  

NEW YORK (Oct. 18, 2022) - (New York, NY, October 18, 2022) – The nomination of Ray Scarpelli, dealer principal at Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Fox Lake, Illinois, for the 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced today by TIME. 
 
Scarpelli is one of a select group of 48 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 106th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Dallas, Texas, on January 27, 2023.  

The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Scarpelli was chosen to represent the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) in the national competition – one of only 48 auto dealers nominated for the 54th annual award from more than 16,000 nationwide.

“The lessons I have learned in the retail auto business and the people I have been lucky enough to know and work with have all contributed to the foundation of who I am today,” nominee Scarpelli said.

A 1984 graduate of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, where he studied automotive marketing and management, Scarpelli has always been fascinated by cars. His father, Raymond Scarpelli Sr., owned a Chevrolet and Oldsmobile store, and Scarpelli relished his time there as a child.

“From an early age, my dad set an example that you should treat your customers the way you would want to be treated,” Scarpelli said. “Of course, it made all the sense in the world.”

Scarpelli later moved into the service department, was a lot attendant, washed cars and worked in the body shop. When it came time to look for a college, he let his passion for autos drive his decision. He chose Northwood University, where he could learn automotive marketing, management, accounting, service, parts and general operations – all the tools he would need to run a successful dealership. He also participated in hands-on activities, like the student-run outdoor Northwood University International Auto Show. 

After college, Scarpelli worked in sales at his family’s Raymond Chevrolet Oldsmobile and continued his real-world education. He worked his way up through the ranks to become dealer principal of Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Fox Lake.

Over time, Scarpelli worked hard to grow the family business, adding key employees and improving customer satisfaction and service. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children who are now part of the dealership operation and the next generation to join the family business. He and his family also are active members of the Fox Lake community, and they reside in a town near the dealerships. 

Scarpelli has held leadership positions for the CATA and served as chair of the Chicago Auto Show in 2019, overseeing the First Look for Charity black-tie gala. This popular fundraising event attracts car enthusiasts who also have a passion for philanthropy. 

“In 2019, we raised $2.8 million for our charity partners, all of which are in the local area,” he said. “I was personally involved in selecting Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago as a beneficiary.”

Other groups that benefitted from the successful event include Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Special Olympics Illinois and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, among others. 

Scarpelli is also proud of the partnerships he has created to support community nonprofit groups, organizations and schools. One of his favorites is the Big Play Program which rewards four local high schools by donating $25 for each “big play” achieved, including home runs, touchdowns, soccer goals and others.

“Over the years, we have donated more than $350,000 to support student athletes,” he said.

When the McHenry Outdoor Theater, a drive-in located in McHenry, Illinois, reopened following pandemic restrictions, Ray Chevrolet treated 350 families to tickets to a free movie. Scarpelli was also an early champion of the CATA’s USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraising initiative that, over the years, has collectively raised more than $1 million to support USO Illinois, local military and their families. 

In addition, he hosts quarterly blood drives for Versiti Blood Center of Illinois; Toys for Tots toy drives; Christmas parties for children in-need; food drives to support Grant Township Food Pantry; and donates vehicles to driver’s education programs and to local police departments.

“Our greatest strength is our relationship with the community,” he said. “And our friends, customers and neighbors are an extension of our family.”

Dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country. A panel of faculty members from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan will select one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists will receive $5,000 for their favorite charities and the winner will receive $10,000 to give to charity, donated by Ally.
 
In its 12th year as exclusive sponsor, Ally also will recognize dealer nominees and their community efforts by contributing $1,000 to each nominee’s 501(c)3 charity of choice. Nominees will be recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of TIME Dealer of the Year nominees.
 
“For over 50 years, TIME has been committed to recognizing the impact of automotive dealers on their communities with the TIME Dealer of the Year award," said Edward Felsenthal, editor in chief and CEO, TIME. "We are proud to continue the legacy of honoring these works of service with our partners at Ally.”

Doug Timmerman, president of dealer financial services, Ally, said, “Auto dealers across the country who are nominated for this award each year are committed to not only doing it right and leading in a rapidly changing automotive industry but to strengthening their communities through giving back. The TIME Dealer of the Year program celebrates dealers who are the role models of the retail auto industry for their continuous efforts to lift up and support their employees, customers and communities.”

Scarpelli was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by the CATA Board of Directors. For more information, visit TIME Dealer of the Year.

CHICAGO (July 22, 2022) - For the ninth year, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the Chicago-area's new-car dealer association, partnered with the USO Illinois to host Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers. This summer, 63 local new-car dealerships fired up their grills to host community Barbecue for the Troops events featuring everything from patriotic ceremonies, classic car shows, live music, games for kids of all ages and, of course, barbecues. The dealerships rallied their communities once again, bringing in more than $81,000 for local military and their families.

"CATA dealerships are committed to giving back to their communities, and the USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative is one great example of dealers helping people in need - right in our own backyards!" said CATA Chairman JC Phelan. "This year is especially wonderful because of the $1 million fundraising milestone we achieved and I am so proud to present this check to USO Illinois on behalf of all participating dealers."

This year's fundraiser brought the grand total of the nine-year program to more than $1 million overall, supporting the USO Illinois initiatives with nearly 700 fundraisers. These funds enable the USO Illinois to lend support to more than 326,000 service members and their families annually.

"We are overwhelmed with the amount of support we have seen this year from our partners at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and the local new-car dealerships," said USO Illinois Executive Director, Christopher Schmidt. "What started as a grassroots effort has now turned into more than $1 million in support for our local service members and their families."

In addition to the community fundraisers, awareness spread via social media. The CATA and USO Illinois ran a #BBQ4Troops social media contest where people could nominate individuals they deem worthy of winning the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue. Entries poured in throughout the month of July; wives nominated husbands who served overseas, parents nominated children who are active duty military and friends nominated deserving friends and neighbors.

Ultimately, the CATA and USO Illinois selected Tim Kilpatrick, who was nominated by his wife. In her submission, she noted, "Tim is a Marine Corp Veteran and Veteran of Foreign War who is a devoted father and husband. He is an extremely hard worker and puts 100% into everything he does." This summer, the Kilpatrick's will enjoy the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue for 20 family members and friends, complete with mouth-watering barbecue fare from Mission BBQ. The runner-up, Michael Duzenski, nominated by Michelle White, honorably served in the Navy for 20 years. Michael will receive a summer-themed basket from the USO including a signed Bears football, USO swag and a bags yard game set.

To celebrate another successful program, CATA board members joined the USO Illinois onstage at Clark After Dark last week to present their check for $77,100. Clark After Dark is the USO's annual summer street festival fundraiser, held in the heart of Chicago's River North district.

"This program could not have been a success without the incredible support of our media partners," said Phelan.  "Many thanks are due to all of our partners in TV, radio and outdoor advertising media who helped us promote this worthwhile program.  And a special thanks to ABC 7 for producing the TV spot that aired throughout the market."

The CATA and USO Illinois are already planning for next year. The USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraising events are set to take place at local new-car dealerships on Sat., July 15, 2023. 

For more information on the CATA, visit www.cata.info. For more information on the USO Illinois, please visit Illinois.USO.org.

CHICAGO (May 18, 2022) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) presented the 2022 Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship to John Hersey High School graduating senior Grace Listopad. The CATA, Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association and producer of the Chicago Auto Show, established the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship–a $1,000 grant–to honor Carol Cooling. Carol was Hersey alumna and long-time NBC 5 Chicago Special Events Director who died in 2013 following a battle with cancer.

The CATA worked closely alongside Cooling during the annual productions of NBC's Chicago Auto Show TV special and developed a lasting relationship that went beyond the production of the special. Cooling was the strong foundation to a successful partnership that led to multiple Emmy Award 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.

“This scholarship is very personal for us as we look for ways to keep Carol’s legacy and larger-than-life outlook alive and are honored to present this year’s scholarship to such an outstanding student,” said Jen Morand, president of the CATA and general manager of the Chicago Auto Show. 

“Every year, the Hersey business teachers select one standout senior that not only took all of our business classes but stood out amongst the rest of a very impressive Hersey student body. Grace Listopad would have stood out any year, but because of the last two years of COVID craziness, she really stood out,” said Hersey business teacher, Daniel Vesper. “While many students used their remote learning on Zoom to shut their cameras and brains off, Grace was one of only a few students to have her camera on. It was so refreshing to see her face instead of a one inch by one inch ‘G’ icon. We also got to hear her voice because she was still answering our questions and asking her own. I never thought that would be something that made a student stand out, but COVID did help bring to light a person's true character, and Grace's character is unmatched.”

Listopad will graduate from Hersey High School this month and attend Northern Michigan University this fall where she plans to study Sustainable Business and Enterprise Creation which match two of her passions: business and making the world a better place.

Vesper added, “As impressed as I was with Grace as a business student and a district, regional, state and nationally recognized DECA Business Club competitor, it was her creation of the "Pack Up Homelessness" project that made me the proudest of her. Over the last two years, Grace has used her National Honor Society platform to help collect thousands of dollars’ worth of donated items for people who need more help than others. And that defines what Grace is about...others. Grace will do anything in her power to make someone's day better and our society, business community, and world need people like her leading us to the better world she will help create.”

"Carol Cooling was the type of person I am working to be. She made a positive impact on many lives. My volunteerism throughout my life has made a positive impact and I will continue to make a positive impact, just like Carol,” said Listopad. “I am honored to receive this scholarship. I cannot wait to expand my education even more at Northern Michigan University while carrying the spirit of Carol Cooling with me.”

Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply for the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship again next year.