CHICAGO (Dec. 16, 2014) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) along with Sutton Ford donated $1,500 to Empowering Men and Women for Recovery II, a charitable group dedicated to stop violence and help those affected by poverty and drugs in Chicago’s south suburban communities.

Charities and civic organizations know that Chicagoland new-car dealers are an integral part of their communities and are often deeply involved in charitable causes. However, dealers rarely receive the recognition they deserve for their ongoing efforts. The CATA designed the Chicagoland Dealers Care program to spotlight the charitable efforts that local new-car dealers already support within their communities and to deliver additional financial support and advocacy to these organizations.

Sutton Ford first became involved with Empowering Men and Women for Recovery II last summer by sponsoring its “Stop the Violence Day” Summer Jam Festival. The event helped raise funds for the less fortunate as well as distribute canned goods and toys to those who need it the most.

“This organization makes a significant impact in the lives of young people throughout the south suburbs,” said Sutton Ford Dealer Principal Nate Sutton.

According to Calvin Fox, vice president of Empowering Men and Women for Recovery II, people living in south suburban communities such as Harvey and Dolton continue to experience poverty, substance abuse and a decline in literacy scores. The charitable group’s mission is to flip this downward trend around.

“Our primary purpose is to restore lives within our communities,” said Fox. “We cover everything from providing nutrition, diet and exercise programs to supplying medical professionals to help addicts recover.”

The organization even hosts resume workshops complete with mock interviews to help recovering drug addicts or school dropouts secure a solid job.

As producer of the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA will also offer show tickets to Empowering Men and Women for Recovery II to help provide a positive event experience to a select teen group.

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since 1992, the association has raised nearly $40 million 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.

To learn more about the CATA’s involvement in the cause, watch this short video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2LckLvTya4. For more information on the CATA please visit www.cata.info.