CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

CHICAGO (Feb. 12, 2025) – The Chicago Auto Show raised more than $2.4 million benefiting 18 local charities at the First Look for Charity gala. The black-tie benefit, held the evening before the show opened to the public, raised a total of $2,457,808. The fundraiser’s 33-year event now tallies more than $65 million raised.

“The 2025 Chicago Auto Show is the perfect backdrop for Chicagoland new-car dealers to host this wonderful gala,” said Kelly Webb Roberts, 2025 Chicago Auto Show chairwoman. “This night is all about raising funds to support 18 local charities that do so much good within our communities.”

First Look for Charity provides attendees with an exclusive viewing of the Chicago Auto Show a day before it opens to the public. Tickets to the fundraiser are $325 each, and purchasers may elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity of their choosing. The show floor is filled with gourmet food from local Chicago restaurants, live music and premium drinks.

This year, two brand-new vehicles were given away to attendees. Michael Schultz was the lucky winner to walk away with keys to a new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV, compliments of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers. Marco Onofre had the winning ticket for the second vehicle, a 2025 Hyundai Palisade, compliments of Chicago and Northwest Indiana Hyundai Dealers.

Since its inception, First Look for Charity has raised more than $65 million for the participating local charities. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and new-car dealers also support charities year-round, through a program called Chicagoland Dealers Care. Chicagoland Dealers Care helps match donations made by CATA dealer members to charities within their communities.

The 2025 First Look for Charity beneficiaries include: 100 Club of Illinois; Advocate Health Care; ALS United Greater Chicago; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Cal’s Angels Pediatric Cancer Foundation; Folds of Honor; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Glenwood Academy; Habitat for Humanity; Jesse White Tumbling Team; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; Misericordia; Sertoma Star Services; Special Olympics Illinois; Susan G. Komen, Chicago; Turning Pointe Autism Foundation; and Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer.

For more information on First Look for Charity, visit FirstLookforCharity.org. The 2025 Chicago Auto Show runs from Feb. 8-17, opening daily at 10 a.m. For more information on the show, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (Dec. 20, 2024) – This holiday season, local car dealers have teamed up with charitable organizations to give back to their communities and help fulfill holiday wishes of those less fortunate. Chicagoland’s new-car dealers understand the vital impact their businesses have on the communities they serve, which is why they’re going the extra mile this holiday season for causes that hold a special meaning to them.

“Chicagoland’s new-car dealers are an integral part of their community and often the first to donate to local organizations in need,” said Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) President Jennifer Morand. “This holiday season is no exception as dealers have risen to the occasion to give back.”

Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Fox Lake once again partnered with Jeeps on the Run (JOTR), a local Jeep enthusiast club that has raised more than $2 million in donations to the charities it supports, most notably Toys for Tots. The annual Toys for Tots event was held in early December. Participating Jeeps traveled the more than 20-mile JOTR caravan that kicked off at the Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership and culminated at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort where Jeep owners, with the help of Marines, unloaded the toys that participants donated. Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has partnered with Jeeps on the Run for the last five years, donating more than $250,000 to the non-profit organization. To raise additional funds for the event this year, the dealership donated a new 2024 Jeep Wrangler as part of a raffle, given away at the culmination of the event.

"Jeeps on the Run is the perfect example of when car culture marries with a charity," said Ray Scarpelli Jr., owner of Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Ray Chevrolet. "We are proud to say that 100 percent of our donation goes directly to Jeeps on the Run and the charities it supports." 

For the fifth year, Fox Valley Volkswagen Buick GMC participated in Operation Christmas Child. This annual initiative is a project of Samaritan's Purse and collects shoeboxes filled with gifts such as toys, school supplies and personal care items. These shoeboxes are then delivered to children in need worldwide, with the goal of demonstrating love in a tangible way. The dealership has been involved with the initiative since 2020. This year, they packed 350 boxes, doubling what they have donated in years past.

“As a company, we believe that every effort, regardless of its size, to serve those less fortunate is impactful and aligns with our mission to ‘move people,’” said Danielle West, chief operating officer of Fox Valley Volkswagen Buick GMC. “This is a wonderful holiday activity that many employees do as a family and is suitable for children of all ages.”

Throughout the holiday season, a number of Chicagoland’s new-car dealers are a collection site for new, unwrapped toys, benefiting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program. Apple Chevrolet of Tinley Park and Webb Chevrolet of Oak Lawn are among the many dealerships that extend the call within the communities they serve to collect thousands of gifts for those in need.

Because dealerships are closely woven into the fabric of their local communities, many individuals and organizations turn to them in a time of need. The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area's new-car dealer association, has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. The association has donated more than $130,000 to local charitable organizations through its Chicagoland Dealers Care program, which helps expand CATA members’ donations and shine a spotlight on new-car dealers’ positive impact within their communities.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (November 19, 2024) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, recently donated $1,500 to Jeeps on the Run (JOTR) and its mission to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The donation came in conjunction with Fox Lake-based Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, an initiative that matches CATA dealer donations of up to $1,500 for local charitable organizations.

Jeeps on the Run, a local Jeep enthusiast club, has supported various causes including St. Baldricks, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, breast cancer, heart disease, local food pantries and most notably Toys for Tots. In existence for 12 years, Jeeps on the Run has raised more than $2 million in donations to the charities it supports.

Sunday, Dec. 1, will mark the 12th annual Toys for Tots Run event. Participating Jeeps will travel the more than 20-mile JOTR caravan that kicks off at the Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership and culminates at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort where Jeep owners, with the help of Marines, will unload the toys that participants have donated. Following the Jeep run, a family-friendly after party will be held at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. Registration for the after party is open to the public and is open to non-Jeep owners.

Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has partnered with Jeeps on the Run for the last five years, donating more than $250,000 to the non-profit organization. To raise additional funds for the event this year, the dealership donated a new 2024 Jeep Wrangler as part of a raffle; the winner will be announced at the culmination of the event.

"Jeeps on the Run is the perfect example of when car culture marries with a charity," said Ray Scarpelli Jr., owner of Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Ray Chevrolet. "We are proud to say that 100 percent of our donation goes directly to Jeeps on the Run and the charities it supports." 

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area's new-car dealer association, has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. The CATA has donated more than $130,000 to local charitable organizations through its Chicagoland Dealers Care program.

“The CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program was designed to help our member’s donations stretch further and highlight the wonderful work they are doing in their communities,” said CATA President Jennifer Morand. “As we head into the holiday season, we are honored to help Jeeps on the Run and its efforts in collecting toys and raising money for Toys for Tots. It’s truly a one-of-a kind event.”

For more information about Jeeps on the Run, including the upcoming Annual Toys for Tots Run, visit www.jeepsontherun.com.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (November 19, 2024) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, recently donated $1,500 to Open Arms Mission. The donation came in conjunction with Raymond Chevrolet of Antioch and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, an initiative that matches CATA dealer donations of up to $1,500 for local charitable organizations.

Open Arms Mission, now in its 24th year, services Antioch and Lake Villa Townships. The non-profit organization assists neighbors with food, daily living necessities and outreach referrals. They serve on average 235 local families per week, offering them the opportunity to come once a week. Beyond the food pantry, Open Arms Mission works with families on rental assistance, auto insurance and provide funds for counseling for mental health services. Approximately 65 core volunteers assist families in need each week.

“Thanks to donations like this, we are able to serve those families,” said Marytherese Ambacher, director of Open Arms Mission. “We try and help as much as we can. When a local person comes and asks for something, if we have the funds, we help them.”

Owner of Raymond Chevrolet, Mark Scarpelli, has been involved with Open Arms Mission since its inception. Scarpelli acknowledges that the need continues to grow as he recalls seeing lines wrapped around the Open Arms Mission building.

“Car dealers get it,” said Scarpelli. “They are at the heart of their communities and they want to give back.”

Scarpelli was instrumental in establishing the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 during his time serving on the CATA Board of Directors. In addition to supporting Open Arms Mission, Scarpelli’s dealership has been donating vehicles to families in need. Scarpelli says, “We don’t turn a blind eye to that ever.”

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 $130,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $62 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.  

“Local car dealers like Raymond Chevrolet are an integral part of their community and are often deeply involved in charitable causes,” said CATA President Jennifer Morand. “We applaud Mark Scarpelli for having the foresight 16 years ago to help stretch CATA dealer members’ dollars further to support local causes, while raising awareness for these incredible organizations.”

For more information about Open Arms Mission, visit www.openarmsmission.org.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (November 19, 2024) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, recently donated $1,500 to Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of River Valley. The donation came in conjunction with Ron Tirapelli Ford and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, an initiative that matches CATA dealer donations of up to $1,500 for local charitable organizations. The dealership has donated more than $10,000 to CASA of River Valley.

CASA of River Valley’s mission is to draw from community resources to provide and support advocates, whose goal is to reduce the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social impacts of abuse and neglect experienced by children involved in the Will and Grundy County Judicial Systems, due to no fault of their own. CASA of River Valley advocates for more than 400 children annually by recruiting and training volunteers to act as the voice of the child, providing needed information to the court, and working toward a more restorative juvenile court process. It costs $1,000 per year, per child, with the need continuing to grow as it is estimated that 150 children go underserved each year.

“These donations are directly helping child victims in the community,” said Rita Facchina, CASA of River Valley executive director. “They are suffering from trauma that they shouldn’t have to endure as a child, nor did they do anything to deserve it.”

The support from Ron Tirapelli Ford to CASA of River Valley stems from Tom Conlin, the dealership’s principal and general manager. Conlin’s neighbor fosters children that have been a part of the CASA organization, allowing him to see firsthand the devastation the children go through and the needs they have.

The entire Ron Tirapelli Ford dealership rallies behind the cause, as the dealership offers payroll deductions pre-tax for employee charitable contributions and is matched by the dealership. Additionally, a $50 donation is made for every car sold and two percent of every service appointment goes toward charitable giving.

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like CASA of River Valley. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $130,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $62 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.  

“We applaud dealers like Ron Tirapelli Ford for their generous contributions year-round to organizations that are making an impact within the local communities they serve,” said CATA President Jennifer Morand. “These charitable efforts exemplify what CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program strives to accomplish. The program not only helps stretch our dealer member’s donation dollars a little further, but it also highlights the charitable work being done by impactful organizations like CASA of River Valley.”

For more information about CASA of River Valley, including their upcoming Annual Christmas Express event on December 7 and 8, visit www.CASAofRiverValley.org.

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.