Oakbrook, Ill. - Dec. 19, 2008 - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) donated $1,500 to both the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center and to the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA) as part of its "Chicagoland Dealers Care" program. 

The CATA raises more than $2.5 million for 18 charities at the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. The "Chicagoland Dealers Care" program began this year as an effort to donate to charities year-round. 

The CATA donated the funds to Zacharias and NEDSRA to build upon automotive dealers Saul Rosen's and Jeannine Roesch's charitable support. The CATA program seeks to enhance the support its member dealers provide to charities in their communities. 

Saul Rosen, owner and president of Rosen Motors, is a Zacharias board member and a generous contributor to the charity. 

"Saul provides guidance and leadership while giving the Zacharias Center access to financial stability," said Torrie Flink, Zacharias Center's executive director. "For that, we are forever grateful to him."

The Larry Roesch automotive group and family have a long-term relationship with NEDSRA. Jeannine Roesch, Larry Roesch Chevrolet owner/dealer principal, has continued that relationship.   

NEDSRA Executive Director Larry Reiner said, "The Roesch family has been committed to NEDSRA and people with disabilities for over 20 years and for as long as I can remember.

"The funds contributed by the CATA will go towards advancing our services for children with autism," Reiner continued. "We are aggressively expanding our services to un-served and underserved people with disabilities and these funds will address the financial needs for expanding these services."

Representing the CATA were the organization's Chairman John Phelan and Executive Vice President David Sloan. 

"We are impressed by both organizations' effectiveness and dedication to their mission," said Phelan. "Supporting organizations of this caliber is precisely what our 'Chicago Dealers Care' fund is all about."

Zacharias Center provides survivors of sexual assault or abuse with comprehensive and confidential services at no charge including: medical and legal advocacy, emergency room and police sensitivity training, 24-hour crisis hotline and crisis intervention services, and counseling for both individuals and groups. The center's Community Education department also provides prevention education to thousands of area school children each year. For additional information contact 847-244-1187 or visit www.ZachariasCenter.org. 

NEDSRA aims to serve as an integral partner with member park districts and villages to positively impact individuals with disabilities through diverse recreation opportunities and community services. For additional information contact 630-620-4500 or visit www.NEDSRA.org.