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.