CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

CHICAGO (Dec. 28, 2017) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), donated $1,500 to the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse, which provides long-term rehabilitative services, support and mentoring to those affected by stroke or brain injury in the Chicagoland area.

The CATA created the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to build upon the charitable efforts of CATA's dealer members within their communities. Liberty Auto City most recently applied to the program to help extend its contribution of $2,500. Together, the CATA and Liberty Auto City made a $4,000 donation to the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse. 

"The unfortunate reality is that charities such as the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse in Chicago are underfunded and struggle to keep their doors open each month," said CATA Chairman Ray Scarpelli Jr. "However, local businesses such as Liberty Auto City recognize the need to help people within their community. Personally, I couldn't be prouder to represent all of Chicagoland's new-car dealers for championing efforts such as this." 

Liberty Auto City President Joe Massarelli partnered up with former Chicago Blackhawk Daniel Carcillo on a poker night fundraiser to help raise money for the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse. After the event, he became more invested in helping the charity. 

"As a dealership, we have made it our mission to get involved with worthy organizations, such as the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse, throughout the Chicagoland community," said Liberty Auto City President Joe Massarelli. "The Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse works with people of all ages and social circumstances to provide support and rehabilitative services to attain their best life after a brain injury or stroke. Through my own athletics growing up and through my friendship with Daniel [Carcillo], it has become aware that we have an epidemic with brain injuries and the funding to this charity is of critical importance."

The Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse opened its doors to serve the community in 1999. Today, the charity has 76 active members and, on average, serves 35 people each day. The clubhouse offers services such as work reintegration or assisting people with basic life skills like personal hygiene, cooking and grocery shopping. 

Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse Executive Director Tammiko Bess explains, "Because Chicago is such a violent city, trauma patients' time in the hospital is often cut short as new cases surface, such as gunshot wounds, and the hospitals need open beds. After patients' basic trauma needs are met, hospital staff then refer them to the clubhouse to seek additional therapy."

"Liberty Auto City's support of community charities such as the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse during this crucial time means the world to us," said Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse Board Member Angela Mathews. "Head injuries change lives and the necessary after-care, education, support and advocacy are challenging to find. The Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse exists to meet those needs, and brings a sense of purpose to each member. All this remains possible because of support from organizations like Liberty Auto City and the CATA." 

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated nearly $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised nearly $48 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. 

For more information on the Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse, visit http://mbiclubhouse.org. ​

CHICAGO (Oct. 30, 2017) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), recently donated $1,500 to St. Joseph Services as part of the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program. For more than a decade, Bredemann Lexus & Ford in Glenview have supported St. Joseph Services by hosting the charity's annual Fall Festival fundraiser at Bredemann Lexus of Glenview. 

"The CATA applauds Bredemann Lexus & Ford of Glenview for their support of St. Joseph Services, among other charities," said CATA Chairman Ray Scarpelli Jr. "This is a perfect example of the vital role that dealers play to help those in need - right within their local communities." 

St. Joseph Services' mission is to serve and support families and individuals in need in the Humboldt Park and Austin neighborhoods of Chicago. Specifically, the charity works with program participants to strengthen and develop their skills in order to move from a position of poverty and assistance to one of economic, spiritual and social self-sufficiency. St. Joseph Services operates its own programs while also collaborating with other not-for-profits and local schools to provide innovative and accessible education, after school and year-round programs for community youth, adult education classes - such as citizenship and English as a second language - plus an open gym on Sundays. 

"For more than 100 years, our family has been serving customers and giving back to the communities in which we sell and service vehicles," said Marty Bredemann, general manager of Bredemann Lexus in Glenview. We have very high standards for customer service and we see these same standards used by the charities we support, as they try to help people overcome challenges through their inspiring work."  

"St. Joseph Services is a remarkable organization; they use their resources extremely efficiently to serve those who need help the most," continued Bredemann. "There are so many success stories...people go through St. Joseph Services' programs and, over time, return to help others while serving as a role model for the young people currently enrolled in the program. It's truly amazing."   

This year, the Bredemann family will hold the annual St. Joseph Services Fall Festival at its Lexus dealership the evening of Saturday, Nov. 11. More than 400 benefactors are expected to gather for a night of fun including good music, food and a silent auction - all to support St. Joseph Services' programs that are "truly a lifeline to many in need," according to Bredemann.

"We're so thankful to the Bredemann family for all that they do to support St. Joseph Services as well as the greater community," said Heather Sattler, executive director of St. Joseph Services. "We're also very appreciative of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association's donation of $1,500 and to have the support of Chicagoland's new-car dealers." 

The CATA created the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to build upon the charitable efforts of CATA's dealer members. The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated nearly $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised nearly $48 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 (Oct. 3, 2017) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), recently matched Thomas Auto Group's donation of $1,500 to the Joliet Salvation Army for a collective donation of $3,000. 

"As a well-established community dealership - we just celebrated Thomas Auto Group's 25th anniversary - we feel as though it's our obligation to help neighbors in need," said Denise Thomas, community relations manager for Thomas Auto Group. "We've partnered with the Joliet-based Salvation Army since 2010 because it's aligned with our mission of helping people within our community, including providing nourishing food, clothing and shelter to hungry and homeless families." 

Not only does Thomas Auto Group support the Salvation Army, but dealership employees are also actively involved. Employees across various departments at Thomas Auto Group - including sales, service or finance - donate a portion of their paycheck directly to the organization. Furthermore, they volunteer their time at Salvation Army's after-school tutoring programs or music classes. 

This holiday season, the dealership also plans to ramp up efforts by putting up Angel Trees in its showrooms. Hung on the branches of the trees will be individual cards with wish lists from parents who need assistance with providing holiday presents to their children. Dealership customers can take a card off of the tree, purchase a gift for that child and drop it back off at the dealership before Christmas. The Salvation Army then wraps each present that is donated to local children. 
"We're so thankful to have this incredible support from the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and Thomas Auto Group," said Dan Faundez, pastor/corps officer at the Salvation Army in Joliet. "Contributions such as this help us to continue to serve the people of Joliet." 

"Thomas Auto Group is a perfect example of the vital role that dealerships play within their communities," said CATA Chairman Ray Scarpelli Jr. "The CATA is proud of dealer members like the Thomas' and all that the dealership group does to help people who need it the most." 

CHICAGO (Oct. 3, 2017) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), matched Continental Toyota's $643 contribution to global charity Plant with Purpose, which aims to improve the quality of lives of people living in extreme rural poverty in third-world countries. Collectively, the CATA and Continental Toyota donated $1,286 to the organization. 

"While Continental Motors Group supports many local charities, it's an incredible feeling to also be able to lend support to people across the globe with Plant with Purpose," said Continental Toyota Dealer Principal Cheryl Nelson. "Last summer, we actually turned the entire showroom over to support Plant with Purpose with a campaign that lasted throughout the month of July. For every purchase made in July, whether it was a car or a tire, Continental Toyota pledged to donate $1 to Plant with Purpose. The customers loved it too and they felt as though they were helping to make an impact."

Plant with Purpose has a very specific, effective process for helping poverty-stricken rural families in third-world countries. Dave Mahar, Plant with Purpose regional representative, explained the three-step approach.

"First and foremost, we help families by restoring the environment where these people reside. We not only assist with the process, but we give inhabitants the tools they need to succeed - even after we've departed. Ninety-three percent of farming families with whom we work are able to bring their crops to market to bring in revenue. Secondly, there's an economic focus. We request that each family financially contributes an equal amount to a community fund that's only to be used for natural disasters. Should an unexpected weather event occur, such as a hurricane or earthquake, the families can pull resources from this emergency fund to assist with restoration of the land. Finally, we work with families to restore faith and enhance and strengthen relationships within the family unit."

"There's a huge difference in method in that we don't just put a Band-Aid on something; Plant with Purpose is grounded in strategy to build a sustainable system for success," Mahar continued. "We're so thankful for the support of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and Continental Toyota to help us with our mission."  

Plant with Purpose estimated they've helped approximately 30,000 families in locations across the globe such as Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Tanzania and Thailand. The organization's next target is Ethiopia.

"The CATA applauds Continental Toyota for its support of Plant with Purpose, among other charities," said CATA Chairman Ray Scarpelli Jr. "This is a perfect example of the vital role that dealers play to help those in need - not only within local communities, but people across the globe as well." 

CHICAGO (Aug. 17, 2017) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, partnered with the USO of Illinois for the fifth consecutive year of “Barbecue for the Troops.” On Sat., July 15, a record 100 local car dealerships, spanning 50 different communities, fired up their grills to host Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers in support of the USO of Illinois. This year alone, the campaign generated $143,000 locally. Since the program’s inception in 2013, the dealers’ grassroots events have brought in more than $560,000 for local troops and their families.

“Even beyond the funds raised, which is unequivocally important, each year the dealers pour their hearts, souls and personal resources into making each individual community event unique and special,” said CATA Chairman Ray Scarpelli Jr. “Past events have included everything from patriotic ceremonies with a 21-gun salute, classic car shows involving local car clubs, live bands, giant inflatable bounce houses for kids, face painting, balloon-making, dog washes and, of course, barbecue – all to draw the interest of the community and bring crowds out on a summer Saturday to support the USO of Illinois.”

The CATA and participating dealers will join the USO of Illinois onstage at Clark After Dark for a formal 2017 USO Barbecue for the Troops program check presentation. The USO of Illinois’ ninth annual Clark After Dark, held the evening of Thursday, Aug. 17, is a popular street festival for Chicagoans that offers a night of fun in the heart of Chicago’s River North district with an opportunity to support the troops.

“I believe this is the year that we’ve reached the tipping point,” continued Scarpelli. “More and more, people recognize the fact that new-car dealers are the pillars of their communities and are well-positioned to bring together their neighbors in support of this amazing cause like not many can. We’re thrilled with the participation and support this year, and look forward to partnering with the USO of Illinois to help serve our troops for many years to come.”

The money collected during the Barbecue for the Troops program helps the USO of Illinois serve more than 318,000 active duty, guard and reserve military and military family members annually through three program areas including USO centers, military family programs and community connection programs. 

“The USO prides itself on being the ‘force behind the forces’ by keeping our service members connected to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation,” said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble. “It is only with partnerships like the Barbecue for the Troops initiative with the CATA and local new-car dealers that the USO is able to support our service members. The USO of Illinois is very grateful to the CATA for their continued leadership and generous support that enables us to stay connected with more than 318,000 military and military families every year.”

Ruble added, “Thanks in part to the 100 local new-car dealers that have participated over the last five years, we are able to continue delivering programs and services to our service members that provide care and comfort, and send an important message that the American people appreciate their service and sacrifices.”

As the USO Barbecue for the Troops program continues to grow each year with heightened dealer participation and community awareness, the CATA and the USO of Illinois are already gearing up for 2018. Next summer, the official Barbecue for the Troops events will be held at local dealerships on Sat., July 14, 2018. 

CHICAGO (July 31, 2017) – Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), matched Gerald Subaru of Naperville’s $1,500 donation to Junior Achievement of Chicago, collectively donating $3,000 to the charity through the CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care initiative. Junior Achievement of Chicago’s mission is to empower young people to own their economic success.

“Local new-car dealerships, such as Gerald Subaru of Naperville, play a vital role in their communities,” said CATA Chairman Ray Scarpelli, Jr. “The CATA began the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to build upon the charitable efforts of Chicagoland’s metropolitan dealers who graciously donate to causes all year round.”

Gerald Subaru of Naperville’s Director of Accounting and Finance John Dvorak, who has volunteered his time to the charity for more than a decade, heard about the Chicagoland Dealers Care program and nominated the charity for consideration.

“I still remember a Junior Achievement of Chicago volunteer – a stock broker – who visited my class in grade school,” said Dvorak. “He opened my eyes to the world of business and investing. I later started a small service and sales business as a kid, and began trading in my own brokerage account at 12 years old.”

“The more we educate young people on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, the stronger our community will be,” Dvorak continued.

Junior Achievement of Chicago’s Vice President, Suburban Operations, Derek Ernst says it’s evident that Gerald Auto Group and Gerald Subaru of Naperville truly believe in and are committed to investing in their communities.

“Gerald Auto Group is truly making a difference for the youth in both DuPage and Kane Counties,” said Ernst. “Gerald Subaru of Naperville, under the leadership of its General Manager Alec McKean, has been a key sponsor for Junior Achievement’s Annual DuPage Board Fundraiser, donating $7,500 over the last seven years, with a most recent donation of $1,500.”

McKean commented, “We are pleased to be able to support the volunteer efforts of our employees with financial donations. Employees such as John [Dvorak] exemplify the Subaru Love Promise Community Commitment – by not just helping the community with donations, but by actions.”

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated nearly $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised nearly $48 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.

For more information on Junior Achievement of Chicago, visit:  http://www.jachicago.org. 

CHICAGO (June 6, 2017) - The Illinois Fatherhood Initiative (IFI) will honor Dan Marquardt - Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) board of director and vice president/partner of Marquardt of Barrington - as "Father of the Year" during the IFI's 20th annual Fatherhood Dinner Celebration tomorrow evening.

The country's first statewide nonprofit fatherhood organization, the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative has a mission of connecting children and fathers by actively engaging fathers in the education of their children. The initiative was established in 1997 to address the increasing problem of father absence in society. 

"I've been advocating for kids and dads for decades," said David Hirsch, founder of the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative and the 21st Century Dads Foundation. "As a result, I've met thousands of dads. Dan Marquardt exemplifies the best of the best."  

"When David called me with the news, I was nearly speechless. It is an incredibly humbling honor to receive such recognition," said Marquardt. 

As a dealership, Marquardt of Barrington Buick GMC has supported the IFI in a variety of ways for more than a decade, such as donating vehicles for fundraising raffles. Dan Marquardt, a father to nine children, also offers his personal time volunteering for the organization. One of his previous contributions involved reading through thousands of essays submitted to the IFI by Chicagoland students. 

According to the IFI, research indicates that 24 million children - 1.1 million in Illinois - are growing up in homes without fathers. Furthermore, children from fatherless homes are four times more likely to grow up in poverty and nine times more likely to drop out of high school. These children are also more likely to commit suicide, run away, have behavioral disorders, abuse drugs and alcohol, commit crimes and end up in prison, according to the IFI. 

Marquardt believes good parenting skills, along with personal convictions, also translate to the workplace. 

"There are a lot of parallels between being a father and an employer," said Marquardt. "We often look at our [Marquardt of Barrington Buick GMC] staff as one big family, and I strive to provide them encouragement along with clear expectations to ensure success."  

For more information on the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative, please visit www.4fathers.org. To learn more about the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, visit www.cata.info.  ​

CHICAGO (June 5, 2017) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicago metropolitan's new-car dealer association, presented the fourth annual Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship - a $1,000 grant - to John Hersey High School graduating senior Ashley Roscoe during a recent student assembly. The CATA established the scholarship in 2014 to honor Cooling, a Hersey High School alum, who lost a battle with cancer in 2013.  

The CATA, producer of the Chicago Auto Show, worked closely alongside Cooling during the annual production of NBC's Chicago Auto Show TV special and developed a lasting relationship with her over the years. Cooling was the strong foundation to a successful partnership that led to multiple Emmy wins for the show. Although Cooling's official title at NBC was "Director of Special Events," she was most frequently referred to as the "heart and soul" of the station. 

"Having a positive influence on others was a strong trait of Carol's, something shared by our recipient this year, Ashley Roscoe," said John Hersey High School Assistant Principal John Novak. "Ashley has been extremely involved with helping others through our Service Over Self Program. She served as a coordinator for the Veteran's Initiative Program and A Soldier's Journey Home, helping to raise money to build a home in Spring Grove, Illinois, for a local veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Her desire to bring awareness to the plight of others in an effort to help better their circumstances has been a strong drive throughout her high school career. We are thankful that the Chicago Automobile Trade Association continues to honor a Hersey student in Carol's memory."

Roscoe plans to use the grant to help fund her college education. She will attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater this fall, where she will pursue a double major in Natural Resource Management and Criminology. 

"With the help of this scholarship, my hope is that I can attend college to learn how to protect our state and national parks as I aspire to be a conservation officer or a park ranger," said Roscoe. "I am beyond blessed to have received the Spirit of Carol Cooling scholarship, and cannot express enough gratitude to the Chicagoland Automobile Trade Association. Thank you to all involved who chose me as the recipient of this award."  

The CATA will fund the scholarship through 2024, and Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply again next year. 

"Carol was not only a key liaison between the CATA and NBC Chicago, she also was a dear friend," said CATA Chairman John Hennessy. "We couldn't think of a better way to honor Carol and keep her legacy alive than by recognizing a young person with high hopes and dreams who also embodies Carol's characteristics." 

CHICAGO (May 22, 2017) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, and the USO of Illinois announce the fifth consecutive year of the “Barbecue for the Troops” program. Over the past four years, 100 CATA dealerships have rallied within their communities to help raise nearly a half of a million dollars for the USO of Illinois. This year, local dealers are firing up their grills on Saturday, July 15. 

What began as a grassroots effort in 2013, when dealers agreed to set out a grill to help raise money for local troops, the USO Barbecue for the Troops program has evolved into a widespread metropolitan initiative that continues to gain momentum each year. In 2014, the USO of Illinois nominated the CATA to receive the prestigious USO Salute to Leadership Award due to the program’s success. The award was presented to the CATA at the USO Star-Spangled Salute Gala in recognition of its members’ personal and professional efforts in support of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“We’ve been blown away with the success of the program, and each year outpaces the previous with more funds raised, increased dealership participation and heightened awareness for the USO of Illinois and local military,” said CATA Chairman John Hennessy. “The amount of energy and resources that local dealerships pour into their barbecue fundraisers is unparalleled. Despite the fact that these dealerships represent different brands, they all come together in support of this great cause.”

“CATA dealerships are pillars of their communities and can rally their neighbors like not many are able. We’re thrilled to celebrate the fifth consecutive year of our partnership with the USO of Illinois, and we’re anticipating this year to be the biggest and best yet,” Hennessy continued. 

On July 15, approximately 100 dealerships will tap into existing relationships in their communities to add a personal touch to each fundraiser. Patriotic ceremonies, cook-offs, car washes, live music and games for kids of all ages are just a few highlights event attendees will be able to enjoy at dealerships across Chicagoland this summer. 

“The USO of Illinois has partnered with the outstanding team at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and local dealership partners to bring our USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative to new heights,” said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble. “The USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative has raised more than $420,000 to support local troops and their families. Chicagoland dealerships have helped make a difference in the lives of our service members and their families by bringing their hometown communities together to support the USO of Illinois with the Barbecue for the Troops program. Their growing support has made every year more successful than the last. In 2017, we are excited to announce the fifth year of the partnership and are proud to stand with the CATA and local dealerships in their efforts to help all those who serve our nation.”

In addition to the July 15 fundraisers at dealerships throughout the area, many dealerships will be hosting month-long fundraising initiatives that encourage customers to take advantage of donating throughout the entire month of July. Many host ongoing “loose change” drives in their service centers, where customers are encouraged to empty loose change from their cup holders to support the cause. Every cent helps.

Awareness will also spread via social media, where people are encouraged to post, tweet and share why they want to win the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue with #BBQ4Troops. Beginning July 1, fans can submit a photo or short video describing the reason they should win the Ultimate Backyard BBQ, including a private cooking demonstration by Real Urban Barbecue’s chef, and BBQ fare for the winner and 50 of their friends.

For the full listing of CATA USO Barbecue for the Troops events, please visit www.DriveChicago.com. For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit www.usoofillinois.org.

CHICAGO (May 9, 2017) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), donated $1,500 to the Loaves & Fishes "CARES" car program which provides transportation to working individuals in need. In addition to its car program, Naperville-based Loaves & Fishes serves the DuPage community by providing high-quality, healthy food; preventative care; educational opportunities; and wellness services to local individuals who live in poverty. 

The CATA created the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to build upon the charitable efforts of CATA's dealer members within their local communities. Continental Motors applied to the CATA for the most recent donation. Over the last six years, the Continental Motors family of dealerships has donated eight cars per year to Loaves & Fishes - an equivalent of $40,000 annually.

"It's not a surprise that Continental Motors has invested so much in an organization that betters its community," said CATA Chairman John Hennessy. "This showcases the vital role that CATA dealerships play to help support those within their areas of business."

Continental Motors of Naperville and Continental AutoSports Dealer Principal Joel Weinberger views his relationship with Loaves & Fishes as mutually-beneficial because his donation is positively impacting his dealership's community.

"We are so happy to work with such a great community partner like Loaves & Fishes. Their 'CARES' program enables us to match cars that we donate each year with individuals whose lives will really be transformed by having reliable transportation," said Weinberger. 

"The additional grant provided by Chicago Automobile Trade Association will go toward keeping the donated vehicles working properly so these individuals can safely and reliably get to work, school and other critical destinations," he continued.   

Loaves & Fishes provides food and support to approximately 19,000 people - nearly 5,000 families - in the Naperville area and throughout DuPage County. Specifically, 2,100 residents received services through the CARES program. 

According to the DuPage County Department of Community Services "2016 Community Needs Assessment," 170,000 DuPage County residents were considered low income - a 78 percent increase from 2000. Additionally, 65,000 DuPage County families are considered to be living in poverty.

"Since 2012, Continental Motors has donated 40 vehicles to individuals from our car 'CARES' program who were referred to us by social services agencies and who all lacked reliable transportation to get to work," said Janet Derrick, vice president of Loaves & Fishes CARES Programs. "We are extremely grateful to Continental Motors and the Weinberger family for their continued generosity and our long-time partnership which has helped 40 individuals create a bright future story for them and their families." 

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated nearly $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised nearly $48 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. 

For more information on Loaves & Fishes, visit www.loaves-fishes.org.