CHICAGO (Aug.1, 2012) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) donated $1,500 to the Anderson Animal Shelter of South Elgin as part of its Chicagoland Dealers Care program to build on efforts put forth by the Chicagoland dealer community. While charities and civic organizations know that their local automotive dealer is an integral part of the community and deeply involved in its organization, the dealers often don't receive the recognition they deserve.

The Chicagoland Dealers Care program was created to help deliver support and advocacy.
St. Charles Toyota has been a financial supporter of the Anderson Animal Shelter, longtime advocates for the humane treatment of animals through direct care, education and community outreach programs. St. Charles Toyota General Sales Manager Steven Alf has a personal investment in the cause as he describes his commitment to the shelter to be "very near and dear" to his heart.

"The Anderson Animal Shelter thrives on generosity from the local community," said Jack Graff, executive director of the Anderson Animal Shelter. "The support from the Chicagoland Dealers Care program and St. Charles Toyota is critical in helping us fund programs to provide exceptional and ethical services to mistreated animals."

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since 1992, the association has raised more than $32 million dollars for significant Chicago charities during 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 in 2008 as an effort to deliver year-round support to local charities and amplify the efforts already put forth by Chicagoland new-car dealers," said Kurt Schiele, chairman of the CATA.  

For more information on the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, please visitChicagolandDealersCare.com. For more details on the Anderson Animal Shelter, please call 847-697-2880 or visit AndersonAnimalShelter.org.

About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of about 400 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 CATA.info.