CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

CHICAGO (Feb. 11)- At a time still challenged by a pandemic, 17 area charities tonight shared more than $1.5 million raised by the 2022 Chicago Auto Show's benevolent event, First Look for Charity, and two attendees left with the keys to new vehicles.

The black-tie benefit, which is held the evening before the auto show opens its 10-day public run, raised $1,516,010, boosting its total raised to more than $58 million over 30 editions.

"First Look for Charity is a great instrument for the area's new-car dealers to show the positive impact they have on their community," said Bill Haggerty, chairman of this year's auto show. "All the benefiting charities are involved locally, so the money that's raised in Chicago stays in Chicago."

As the name of the event implies, those who attend First Look for Charity are part of the premier viewing of each year's Chicago Auto Show. Tickets to the fundraiser are $275 each, and purchasers can elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity of their choosing. For the event, the auto show floor is replete with live entertainment and a variety of exquisite food and beverage stations.

A highlight of the evening was the drawing for the event's grand prizes, this year two 2022 models: a Buick Enclave Avenir and a GMC Yukon Denali. Two Chicagoans took top honors. Vasiliki Katris went to the event when a family friend who could not attend gave his ticket to her, then she listened as that ticket's stub was drawn from the drum for the Yukon. Richard J. Green Jr. reached the stage almost immediately to claim the Yukon.

The proceeds from Katris's ticket went to Franciscan Community Benefit Services, one of the event's benefiting nonprofits. Green directed his ticket purchase to be shared by all 17 charities. Other participating nonprofits included the 100 Club of Illinois, Advocate Health Care, the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Also, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Glenwood Academy, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen Chicago, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children.

And, Misericordia, New Star, Special Olympics Illinois, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

The Enclave and Yukon both were compliments of Buick-GMC and the Chicagoland Buick-GMC dealers.

CHICAGO (Dec. 2, 2021) - This holiday season, local car dealers have teamed up with charitable organizations to help fulfill the holiday dreams of less fortunate children. Area dealers from Fox Lake to Tinley Park understand the vital impact their businesses have on the communities they serve, which is why they're going the extra mile for causes such as Toys for Tots and the Humanitarian Service Project. 

"Chicagoland's new-car dealers are the pillars of their communities and among the first to donate to local organizations in need," said Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) Chairman Kevin Keefe. "This holiday season is no exception."

Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Fox Lake is again partnering with Jeeps on the Run (JOTR), a local Jeep enthusiast club and the largest donating group to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program in Lake County. On Sunday, Dec. 5, more than 700 Jeeps are anticipated to participate in the 25-mile, fully escorted JOTR caravan that kicks off at the dealership and culminates at the historic Genesee Theatre where Jeep owners will offload their Toys for Tots donations to the U.S. Marine Corps. 

"I started Jeeps on the Run nearly a decade ago as a family-oriented Jeep enthusiast club, but it has since evolved into a not-for-profit organization that gives back to charitable organizations all year long," said JOTR President Mike Missak. "Jeeps on the Run has become a tradition for local families and, to many, it's the kick-off to the holiday season. We simply wouldn't have the success we do if it wasn't for our supporters such as Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram." 

JOTR is requiring advance registration for the event. The fee is $25 per Jeep and those who also purchase a raffle ticket will automatically be entered to win a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, donated by Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

"We're thrilled to be the primary sponsor for this wonderful cause for the second year in a row," said Ray Scarpelli Jr., owner of Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Ray Chevrolet, also in Fox Lake. "We experienced so much success last year and saw firsthand the joy it brought to families in need, so it was a no-brainer for us to be involved again this year." 

Friendly Ford in Roselle is hosting its annual "Fill a Ford" Toy Drive in partnership with the Humanitarian Service Project to ensure that each and every child in DuPage and Kane Counties who live in poverty will have gifts to open at Christmas.

Now through Dec. 7, community members and those in surrounding areas are encouraged to bring in new and unwrapped toys for kids of all ages to Friendly Ford. The dealership will "fill a Ford" with all of the toys and transport them to the Humanitarian Service Project for distribution to local families. Furthermore, Friendly Ford will match each toy with its own donation. 

Apple Chevrolet out of Tinley Park is also collecting new and unwrapped toys for children of all ages now through Dec. 11 in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program. The dealership is encouraging people to help them reach their goal of filling eight Chevy Silverado pickup trucks full of gifts to help bring holiday cheer to less fortunate children. The dealership is also offering the option for people to ship a present directly to the dealership; they will take care of the distribution to Toys for Tots. 

"We've partnered with Toys for Tots for eight consecutive years, as what better way to bring joy to those in need and give back during the holiday season," said John Alfirevich, owner of Apple Chevrolet. "People can drop of toys at our dealership anytime through Dec. 11, and on that day, we will be hosting holiday fun for local families including a DJ, balloon-making and even an appearance from the jolly guy himself, Santa." 

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 CATA is the area's new-car dealer association and has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. The association has donated more than $100,000 to local charitable organizations through its Chicagoland Dealers Care program, which helps expand on CATA members' donations and shine a spotlight on new-car dealers' positive impact within their communities.

CHICAGO (Oct. 28, 2021) - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this week the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) matched Gregory Auto Group's donation of $1,250 to Women and Children's Horizon, an organization that provides support, shelter and education for local victims of sexual and domestic abuse. The contribution came via the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care initiative in which the CATA matches an area dealer's donation to a charity of their choice. 

The check presentation was held at Gregory Infiniti Libertyville and included CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe, also a local Honda and Subaru dealer; CATA President David Sloan; Gregory Auto Group President Gregory Mauro; Libertyville Mayor Donna Johnson; Lake County Sheriff Deputy Chief Edward Jenkins; and representatives and supporters of Women and Children's Horizon. 

"I've been in the car business for 40 years and have employed staff members who have experienced domestic abuse and trauma first-hand," said Mauro. "This cause is extremely important as domestic violence affects millions of people in this country and causes not only physical - but also mental - harm to the victims involved. I am grateful for the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program as it helped to extend my donation just that much further for this wonderful organization." 

One of Women and Children's Horizon supporters in attendance was Lisa Fuller, mother of Bianca Vite who was brutally murdered by Vite's husband on Christmas Day 2012. She was 21. Prior to this incident, there hadn't been any reports of domestic violence related to this case. 

Fuller happened to be one of Mauro's previous employees.

"We hope that by sharing Bianca's story, we can help others who are domestically abused and hopefully even save people's lives," said Fuller. "There's just not enough awareness out there, so we are trying to do our part by advocating on Bianca's behalf - and for everyone in her shoes." 

Women and Children's Horizon has provided services to those in need for 40 years. They offer shelter for up to 35 women and children, access 24 hours per day/seven days a week, safety planning, police reporting services, legal guidance and individual therapy. 

Because car dealerships are closely woven into the fabric of their local communities, many individuals and organizations turn to dealers in a time of need. The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like Women and Children's Horizon. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated $122,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $56 million for significant 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 not only helps stretch our member's donation dollars for wonderful organizations like this, but it also shines a spotlight on new-car dealers' positive impact within their communities," said Keefe. "We applaud local dealers like Gregory Auto Group for their very generous contributions to help people who desperately need this support."  
To learn more about Women and Children's Horizon, please visit www.wchkenosha.org. 

CHICAGO (May 19, 2021) - Today the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the area's new-car dealer association, presented the 2021 Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship to John Hersey High School senior Emily Seriruk. The CATA established the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship-a $1,000 grant-to honor Carol Cooling, a Hersey alumna and long-time NBC 5 Chicago Special Events Director who died in 2013 following a battle with cancer. 

As the producer of the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA worked closely with Cooling and NBC 5 to help facilitate the station's live TV auto show specials that garnered several Emmy Awards. When Cooling died, CATA leadership wanted to contribute to a cause that would enable her spirit to live on.

"At the time of Carol's passing, CATA Chairman John Webb had the idea to create this wonderful scholarship as a way to pay tribute to such an impactful, larger-than-life person," said David Sloan, president of the CATA and general manager of the Chicago Auto Show. "I continue to feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to present this scholarship to deserving Hersey High School students, and I am certain Carol would be touched to see her legacy live on in such an influential and positive way." 

The Hersey High School scholarship committee selected Seriruk as the recipient of the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship because she embodies many of the characteristics also used to describe Cooling. Attributions such as "driven, ambitious and resilient" are commonly used by Seriruk's teachers and peers.

"Taking the words from Emily's English teacher, Kyle Marquette, 'Emily is a fighter,'" said Hersey Assistant Principal John Novak. "She does not back down from challenges, but rather uses them as motivation to continually better herself." 

According to Novak, Seriruk has proven the ability to balance a rigorous academic schedule with her involvement in the peer tutoring program Service Over Self, the Asian American culture club, the math team and the badminton team. 

"As if these activities weren't enough to fill her time, Emily also held a part-time job outside of school," said Novak. "Her determination and can-do attitude are what set her apart from other scholarship candidates." 

Novak commented that "Emily truly embodies the characteristics of the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship. She treats people with respect and has the ability to make a positive impact on those around her. We are thankful to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association for honoring such a deserving young adult in Carol Cooling's memory."

Seriruk will graduate from Hersey High School this month and attend the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) this fall where she plans to study chemical engineering. Seriruk will apply her scholarship to help pay for her UIC tuition where she looks forward to gaining the necessary knowledge and skills needed to become a chemical engineer. 

"I've heard that Carol Cooling radiated positivity and made a great impact on everyone in her life, and I strive to do that as well, whether it's from simply tutoring my peers or planning to improve people's lives through solving real-world problems as a chemical engineer," said Seriruk. "I believe I met the requirements of the scholarship because I am driven to work hard to achieve my goals, including maintaining a 4.73 GPA and financially helping my mom from a young age."


"I am beyond grateful to have received this scholarship, and I can't even begin to explain how much it means to me," Seriruk continued. "I really wish I could have met Carol Cooling as she exemplified the type of person I strive to be. Her accomplishments demonstrated her passion and hard work that result in achieving great things. I am honored to carry on her legacy by graciously taking this scholarship and applying it to my own education to pursue a career where I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of others."

Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply for the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship again next year. 

To learn more about the CATA, please visit www.cata.info.

CHICAGO (Mar. 31, 2021) - The family of renowned automotive enthusiast, racer, and entrepreneur John Weinberger has teamed with TechForce Foundation to offer a series of scholarships to benefit students who aspire to follow in his footsteps. Application deadline is April 30, 2021. 

The John Weinberger Drive to Care Legacy Scholarships support students with awards of up to $10,000 across a broad spectrum of automotive career disciplines: Automotive Engineering; Vintage Automotive Restoration; Automotive Dealership Management, Marketing and Communications; and Automotive Technician. Students who meet the following criteria are eligible for awards:

• SAE-Chicago section automotive students enrolled in the engineering program at the University of Illinois-Chicago or Northern Illinois University; 
• McPherson College students pursuing historic automotive technology;
• Lyons Township High School (Illinois) automotive students enrolled in a post-secondary school to pursue a career in the automotive industry;
• Illinois or Texas students pursuing a career as an automotive technician and enrolled in any local community college that offers an automotive program or Universal Technical Institute (UTI);
• Northwood University students pursuing skills in car dealership management, marketing and communications.

The scholarships are offered in partnership with TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to champion students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. To apply for one of the scholarships, visit www.DrivenToCare.org.

The scholarship offerings reflect the interests, experiences, and expertise of John F. Weinberger of Naperville, Illinois and Austin, Texas - a legendary force in automotive circles who built Continental Motors Group - one of the nation’s largest dealership groups - and enjoyed a lifetime of driving, racing, and tinkering with cars. Recipients will be selected by TechForce representatives and a group of John’s “car buddies,” in the Chicago and Austin areas, known as the “lunch bunch.”

“We want young people to dream what they want to dream,” said John’s wife Lisa about the creation of the scholarships. “John was able to turn his passion into his profession and was just so positive in everything he did. He measured success in smiles. He glowed. I hope to see a glimmer of my husband in each and every one of these students. That would fill my heart with his light.”

A respected and influential force in the industry, John served several terms on the boards of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, the Illinois Automobile Trade Association, and the American Import Auto Dealers Association. John also enjoyed racing and earned numerous podium finishes while competing in SCCA events during the 1960s. His exploits led to induction into the Road Racers Drivers Club, where he joined an exclusive group of famed drivers. He was also a board member of the Sports Car Club of America and an active member of various vintage racing clubs, including SVRA, VSCDA, and HSR. He continued racing until the age of 84 - and even took to the track after his passing on September 12, 2020 as his wife Lisa took the wheel of the hearse to lead a first-of-its-kind, high-speed funeral procession around the Circuit of the Americas race track.

These scholarships continue John and Lisa’s history of giving back to the community that began with the Continental Motors Group “Driven to Care” car giveaway program, which has seen the donation of nearly 100 refurbished cars to deserving individuals who have overcome challenges such as homelessness, substance abuse, and physical abuse. 

“John wanted car dealers to be seen in a different light,” said Lisa. “If every dealer in the country followed his example of reaching out to the community, of mentoring young people, and of providing networking opportunities, we could change a lot of things for the better.”

To learn more about John Weinberger and his history, visit www.johnweinbergerlegacy.com.

CHICAGO (Jan. 19, 2021) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, recently donated $1,500 to the Do It Stevie's Way Foundation. The donation came via the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program in conjunction with a $4,000 donation by Tinley Park-based Apple Chevrolet. Through Chicagoland Dealers Care, the CATA matches up to $1,500 of a member dealer's donation to local charitable organizations.

The Do It Stevie's Way Foundation was started in 2010 by Mark and Karen Bajenski, Stevie's parents, after their son tragically died at age 17. The foundation identifies and directs its resources by teaching young men and women to do things the right way-Stevie's Way-within the classroom, communities, families and on the athletic fields. Based on these values, Do It Stevie's Way rewards numerous scholarships to kids of all ages on a yearly basis. The foundation also supports a variety of important initiatives ranging from suicide awareness to supporting other families who have lost children.  

"Our motto is 'Be a team player and make a difference every day,' just the way Stevie did," said Mark Bajenski. "The foundation doesn't support just one specific mission. Instead, it promotes helping children lead their best lives so then, hopefully one day, those children will also become team players and help future generations once they're able."

"Do It Stevie's Way has given me a new purpose in life, which is to give back and teach important lessons," Bajenski concluded.

Apple Chevrolet Dealer Principal John Alfirevich has helped support and champion Do It Stevie's Way since the foundation was started 11 years ago.  

"This foundation is unique in that is supports a variety of missions that represent Stevie's character; it doesn't just focus on one effort," said Alfirevich. "Giving is receiving in my world, and this cause is very near and dear to my heart." 

Because dealerships are closely weaved into the fabric of their local communities, many individuals and organizations turn to them in a time of need. The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like the Do It Stevie's Way Foundation. Since its inception in 2008, the grassroots Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $120,000 to local charitable organizations. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $56 million for significant 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 not only helps stretch our member's donation dollars for wonderful organizations like this foundation, but it also shines a spotlight on new-car dealers' positive impact within their communities," said CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe. "We applaud local dealers like Apple Chevrolet for their very generous contributions to their community and helping those in need."

To learn more about the Do It Stevie's Way Foundation, visit www.doitsteviesway219.com. 

CHICAGO (Nov. 10, 2020) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, just wrapped its month-long fundraising campaign - USO Barbecue for the Troops - to raise funds and awareness for the USO of Illinois. Throughout the entire month of October, local new-car dealers led the charge to raise funds to support local military and their families by hosting socially distant Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers and encouraging online donations.

The new-car dealers' USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative is traditionally held each July and features large community festivals with patriotic ceremonies. However, this year, the CATA and USO of Illinois made the collective decision to reschedule 2020's July fundraising campaign to October due to the pandemic. Still, nearly 60 CATA dealerships rallied around the cause that directly impacts local servicemembers. Since the program's inception in 2013, the area's new-car dealers have brought in more than $950,000 to support USO of Illinois initiatives with more than 630 unique fundraisers taking place. These funds enable the USO of Illinois to lend support to more than 350,000 service members and their families on an annual basis. 

"While this year is certainly unique, not even a global pandemic could stand in the way of local new-car dealers' drive to give back to those in need, right within their local communities," said CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe. "Furthermore, we found that people really rallied around the cause because it directly impacts local military who have been serving on the homefront in the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as around the world."

"We are truly grateful for the support we have received from our partners at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, the local new-car dealerships and our hometown communities," said USO of Illinois Executive Director Christopher Schmidt. "For the eighth consecutive year, the CATA dealers have rallied to help raise funds for our local service members and their families. Our sincere thanks to everyone who stepped up to support the USO of Illinois and those that we serve, especially during these unprecedented times."   

Awareness was also spread through social media through the #BBQ4Troops Ultimate At-Home Barbecue contest. The CATA and USO of Illinois encouraged fans to nominate someone deserving of the grand prize, a $150 Real Urban Barbecue catered meal, at-home grilling essentials and a signed hockey puck by hometown hero Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane. 

The social media contest winner was selected, Joy and Dan Symonds, a husband and wife team who founded Operation LOVE (acronym for "Love Our Veterans Elgin") Our Veterans, based out of Elgin, Illinois. The mission of Operation LOVE is to honor "unclaimed" veterans at their funerals, connect volunteers with Elgin-area veterans in need and strengthen existing local veterans' service organizations by promoting their events, volunteer opportunities and fundraisers. 

"We are so thankful to the local dealerships and the USO of Illinois for this great recognition of Operation LOVE," commented Operation LOVE Co-Founder Joy Symonds. "We're blessed to have a strong community committed to serving and honoring our country's true heroes, our veterans."

CHICAGO (November 5, 2020) - Antioch-based Raymond Auto Group covered $20,000 towards a 2020 Chevrolet Express Cargo van for local food pantry Open Arms Mission. Open Arms Mission recently received $20,000 from the Lake Cares "Unmet Needs" grant and the dealership jumped at the opportunity to cover the remaining $20,000. 

Open Arms Mission provides daily living necessities-such as food and toiletries-to individuals and families in need while encouraging self-sufficiency. The food pantry has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to serve its community, making health and safety adjustments such as offering a drive-thru distribution to eliminate indoor face-to-face contact. Since last spring, Open Arms Mission has actually distributed more food-especially to families with children-in an effort to ease food insecurities during the pandemic.

"Raymond Auto Group has served Antioch and surrounding towns for 60 years, and is committed to being there when our community needs a little help," said Mark Scarpelli, president of Raymond Auto Group. "This case is no exception."  

Raymond Auto Group has partnered with Open Arms Mission for the last decade on various projects to help those in need right within the Antioch community. 

"Our philosophy has always been neighbor helping neighbor, and we feel blessed that Raymond Auto Group stepped up to help us meet the needs of community members who are food insecure," said Open Arms Mission Executive Director Marytherese Ambacher. "The van will be utilized to pick up reclaimed food and donations from local grocery stores as well as to deliver food to homebound neighbors." 

Local new-car dealers are perfectly positioned to come to the aid of their communities. 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 $100,000 to local charitable organizations through its Chicagoland Dealers Care program, launched by Mark Scarpelli in 2008 when he was chairman of the CATA. The Chicagoland Dealers Care program helps expand on CATA members' donations and shine a spotlight on new-car dealers' positive impact within their communities.

For more information on Raymond Auto Group and the CATA, visit RaymondDeals.com and CATA.info, respectively. To learn more about Open Arms Mission, please visit OpenArmsMission.org.

CHICAGO (July. 27, 2020) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, donated $1,500 to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. The donation came in conjunction with Hyundai of Palatine and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, an initiative that matches CATA dealer member donations of up to $1,500 for local charitable organizations. 

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy was formed five years ago by the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce to help coach middle and high school aged children on how to build and run their own businesses. In September of each year, students have the opportunity to apply to a 25-week program that accepts only 30 students. Each student is paired with a personal mentor who works with them every step of the way through the final phase of forming a business plan. 

"When Hyundai of Palatine first submitted the Young Entrepreneurs Academy's Chicagoland Dealers Care application to the CATA, we took one look at it and said 'This is right within our wheelhouse,'" commented CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe. "The concept is wonderful, arming these young students with the education and resources for them to build and run their own businesses."

Similar to ABC's hit show "Shark Tank," these students have the chance to pitch their business ideas to local business leaders and investors. One student qualifies each year to present at a national level in Rochester, New York, in front of a panel of judges at the end of the program. All students are pledged some funding to launch their business, and some have even reaped the benefits of receiving offers from local investors. 

"To think that these young students are receiving legitimate offers from major investors is incredible," said Steven Gaus, Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce executive director. "We are so thankful for local businesses like Hyundai of Palatine and organizations such as the CATA who help fund our programming so these students can achieve these extraordinary goals."  

"As a business owner myself, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to help these young students who have similar passions," said Hyundai of Palatine/Leader Auto Group President Tamara Darvish. "The Young Entrepreneurs Academy does tremendous work within the Palatine community, and we're committed to continuing to support their efforts."

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $56 million for significant Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. 

CHICAGO (July. 27, 2020) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, donated $1,500 to Children at the Crossroads Foundation. The donation came in conjunction with Elgin Toyota and the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, an initiative that matches CATA dealer member donations of up to $1,500 for local charitable organizations. 

Children at the Crossroads Foundation, based in Chicago, was created in 1990 on the belief that economic circumstances should not predict the future. Chicago's former first lady Maggie Daley founded the Frances Xavier Warde School in 1989 with the vision that it would be would be a place where all families would embrace and accept each other's faiths, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her goal was to have 30% of the school's students benefit from financial assistance, a hope that became a reality in 1990 with the inception of Children at the Crossroads Foundation.

Now, 30 years later, Children at the Crossroads Foundation has changed the lives of more than 700 children and has provided more than $15 million in financial aid. The foundation has not wavered in its commitment to provide opportunity, support and hope to the more than 80 children who receive financial aid annually.

"We applaud the Children at the Crossroads Foundation for its tremendous work to help enrich these young students' lives," said CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe. "The CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program not only helps stretch our member dealers' dollars a little further for wonderful organizations like this foundation, but it also helps shine a spotlight on new-car dealers' positive impact within their communities." 

Specifically, Elgin Toyota has been a supporter of Children at the Crossroads Foundation for five years.

"I was hooked on its mission from the first moment I attended one of the foundation's fundraising events," said Bob Loquercio, president and CEO of the Bob Loquercio Auto Group. "I knew I had to get involved, and here I am, five years later." 

"We're so humbled by Bob Loquercio Auto Group's generosity as well as the contribution from the area's new-car dealer association, the CATA," said Children at the Crossroads Director of Advancement Sarah Frick.

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations like Children at the Crossroads. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $56 million for significant Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public.