CHICAGOLAND DEALERS CARE

CHICAGO (Apr. 7, 2016) – Through the Chicagoland Dealers Care initiative, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) – Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association – recently donated $1,500 to the Hagerty Education Program to help fund student education in automotive restoration. The Chicagoland Dealers Care program was created by the CATA to support its member dealers’ charitable initiatives by providing additional financial support and advocacy to those in need. In this case, Continental AutoSports rallied the Hinsdale community to raise $6,000 for the Hagerty Education Program and the dealership matched that amount.

 “The No. 1 thing about life is passion, and I wholeheartedly believe in what we do,” said Hagerty Education Program’s National Director Diane Fitzgerald. “There is a great need for talented, skilled workers and we are filling the gap between formal education and shop-readiness. Thanks to Continental AutoSport’s Owner and President John Weinberger and his wife Lisa, we were able to launch a new initiative locally, which drew CATA’s generous support through the Chicagoland Dealers Care program. Together we are going to make a big difference in educational opportunities for young people interested in careers in automotive restoration & preservation.”

 The funds from Continental AutoSports and the CATA will directly support students in the Chicagoland area who are considering a career in automotive, with an emphasis on restoring older vehicles. The Hagerty Education Program is dedicated to the mission of ensuring that the critical skills and knowledge necessary to restore and preserve collector vehicles are not lost. Additionally, the program is committed to supporting hands-on, career-based training of skills and trades while promoting America’s automotive heritage and the interests of the collector community.

 Weinberger commented, “My wife Lisa and I are thrilled to support an organization like this and to continue to foster excitement for the automotive industry in general. One of the reasons Lisa and I started our private foundation was to support automotive education. We both race, rally and collect historic cars and are well aware that specialty cars need knowledgeable stewards – for example, mechanics, auctioneers, etc. – so the cars can be enjoyed by many future generations.”

 Charitable and civic organizations know the integral part a dealership plays in supporting its community; however, dealers are rarely recognized for their ongoing efforts.

 “This is a prime example of the role in which Chicago-area dealers play to help support those in need right in their backyards while rallying support from the community,” said CATA Vice Chairman John Hennessy.  

 The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $96,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised $44 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. 

CHICAGO (March 3, 2016) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) – Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association – matched Lombard Toyota’s contribution of $500 to Salvation Army’s Ways to Work program, donating a total of $1,000 to the cause. The Chicagoland Dealers Care program was created by the CATA to help support member dealers’ charitable community initiatives by providing additional financial support and advocacy to those in need.

“This is a great example of the role in which Chicagoland dealers play in their communities,” said CATA Chairman Mike McGrath Jr. “Often times most do not recognize the integral part car dealers play in lending support to people who need it the most – right in their backyards. Charities know their local dealer is a pillar of their community and, it might come as a surprise to some, but dealers are often the first to be solicited for support – and they’re happy to help their neighbors.”   

The funds will directly support Cook and DuPage county residents who have been accepted into the Salvation Army’s Ways to Work program. Specifically, the Ways to Work program supports parents in need who are trying to buy or refinance a used car by offering low interest loans. The goal of the program is to put these parents – oftentimes single moms or dads – back on their feet as they juggle job demands and raising a child.

The program recipients are offered lower interest loans so they can purchase a car and are required to take financial classes so that when they graduate from the program, they have the necessary skillsets to maintain their credit.

“The Ways to Work program gave me the chance to get a car while building my own credit,” said Pia Easley, a Salvation Army program recipient. “Before being accepted into the program, I had this warped view of what it meant to build your credit but, as a single working mom, this was imperative for me to learn – better late than never.”

Since 2011, the local Ways to Work program has helped 179 people get back on their feet by purchasing a vehicle and building their credit, and the Salvation Army is committed to assisting 40 additional clients in Cook and DuPage counties by 2018. The CATA and Lombard Toyota funds will directly help support these cases.

“The Salvation Army Ways to Work Program is appreciative of our community partners and we’re thankful to Toyota of Lombard and the CATA for their generous donation,” said Stephen Lepse, director, Salvation Army Family & Community Services.  

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated nearly $95,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised $42 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. 

February 12, 2016 

The 2016 Chicago Auto Show tonight raised more than $2.6 million for area charities, and the two people who won new vehicles both needed just seconds to claim their prizes. That came after two other people failed a five-minute deadline and new winners had to be selected.

Chicagoans Dorothy White and Michael Doherty happily took the keys to a 2016 Jeep Renegade and a 2016 Lincoln MKX, respectively. The ticket stubs of attendees are entered into a drum from which to draw for the prizes. For the first two stubs drawn, the time limit lapsed without the winners approaching the prize stage.

The event raised $2,610,280, the most in one year for the black-tie benefit since 2008. About 9,100 people attended First Look for Charity, which is held the evening before the auto show opens its nine-day public run.

“First Look for Charity, now in its 25th year, is a great instrument for the area’s new-car dealers to show the positive impact they have on their community,” said Colin Wickstrom, 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 $250 each, and purchasers can elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all 18 of the participating charities, or any of those for which they have an affinity. For the event, the auto show floor is replete with live entertainment and a variety of elegant food and beverage stations.

White wanted the proceeds of her ticket purchase to be shared by all the nonprofits; Doherty requested his funds be shared by six of them. A highlight of the evening is the drawing for the new vehicles, which are the event’s grand prizes and the auto show’s official vehicles.

Participating organizations in 2016 included 100 Club of Chicago, Advocate Health Care, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, and Clearbrook.

Also, the Cradle Foundation, Franciscan Community Benefit Services, Franciscan St. James Health, the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, Illinois Spina Bifida Association, JDRF, and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

And, March of Dimes, Misericordia, Special Olympics Illinois, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

CHICAGO (Jan. 5, 2016) - The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) donated $500 to both St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier schools as a match to Bredemann Lexus in Glenview's recent contributions. Through the CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care program, the association aims to advance the charitable support already exemplified by area new-car dealers with additional contributions and advocacy. The CATA's donations will help support the schools' technological programs to prepare students with the tools they need for high school and beyond, along with instruction on how to use technology most effectively.  

"We know Chicagoland new car dealers give back to their communities in a wide variety of important ways," said CATA President David Sloan. "The Chicagoland Dealers Care program gives us the opportunity to join in supporting dynamic charities and not-for-profit organizations, while giving us the forum to give dealers the recognition they deserve."   

Bredemann Lexus in Glenview has a long-standing relationship with both of the Wilmette-based schools. Both school principals say the Bredemann family has been instrumental in advancing the goals of the schools as well as their curriculums.  

"Our parish is thrilled to be celebrating our 170th anniversary this year, and the support of Bredemann Lexus and the entire community has been invaluable in helping us achieve this wonderful milestone," said Laszlo Katona, principal of St. Joseph. 
St. Francis Xavier Principal Colleen Barrett echoed, "We're so appreciative of the Bredemann family's support. The funds will help support our new E.P.I.C. program which stands for 'Explore, Play, Invent and Create.' It is a program specially designed to use technology as a means of helping students develop into tomorrow's critical thinkers and leaders."

"As a family-run, neighborhood business, we are very happy to support organizations like St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier that make a difference right here in our community," said Marty Bredemann, general manager and partner of Bredemann Lexus in Glenview. 

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $60,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. 

During the month of October, the Bredemann Family of Dealerships, which includes Toyota and Chevrolet in Park Ridge and Ford and Lexus in Glenview, took part in the American Cancer Society's "Real Men Wear Pink" campaign.

This goal of this campaign was to encourage women 40 years of age and older to undergo annual mammograms. In support of the program, the Bredemann dealerships posted materials and made a coordinated effort among staff members to include the color pink in their work attire, reminding their customers of the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. 

"Many of our clients were very pleased and appreciative of our dealerships' efforts to draw attention to the necessity of yearly exams," said Marty Bredemann, General Manager of Bredemann Lexus. "All of us know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and if even one of our clients benefits from this reminder, we consider our participation in this campaign to be a success."

CHICAGO (2016) -The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) presented the 2016 Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship to deserving John Hersey High School senior, Dejanna Blair, today during a school assembly. Blair received a $1,000 grant to put toward future education.    

The CATA established the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship in 2014 to honor John Hersey High School alumna and long-time NBC Chicago Special Events Director Carol Cooling, who passed away in 2013 due to a battle with cancer. As producers of the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA worked closely with Cooling to produce the Chicago Auto Show live TV special, which won several Emmy Awards. Blair embodies the characteristics for which Cooling was known - someone always willing to volunteer, take on extra responsibilities and hold leadership positions. 

"The CATA hopes to inspire students for years to come with the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship," said CATA Chairman Mike McGrath, Jr. "Cooling was someone who worked tirelessly on behalf of the station and made a positive impact on everyone with whom she came in contact. She would have been thrilled to know her spirit is living on in this manner - honoring students who will continue to interject creativity and positivity into their post-graduate careers." 

Hersey High School Assistant Principal John Novak said Blair was heavily involved in her high school's extracurricular activities. She participated in track all four years, was involved in the school's variety show, participated in a dance fusion team and was even a loyal contributor to a student fan section that helped support peers' extracurricular activities and sporting events.

"I put a lot of effort into everything I do, and I feel this scholarship has helped reinforce that," said 2016 Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship recipient Dejanna Blair. "I think it's important for others to understand that skills don't always come naturally to me, and that's why this acknowledgment means the most. I've auditioned for various programs but didn't make the cut, so I kept trying to find other activities that were a better fit and put my mind to succeed at those. This award makes all of that effort worthwhile." 

Blair also commented that she always tries to make an effort to say hello and smile to everyone with whom she came in contact in the hallway. "You never know who might be having a bad day, and I just want people to see a warm face and know that I am paying attention to them." 

Blair plans to put her scholarship money toward her college education at Illinois State University where she will study mathematics and secondary education, in the hopes of one day returning to John Hersey High School as a math teacher. She commented that her teachers and school administrators made a huge impact on her education and growth, and she desires to pay that forward to students in the future.

"We are very appreciative of what the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is doing to honor Carol Cooling," said John Hersey High School Assistant Principal John Novak. "She left a great legacy that has lived on through this scholarship."

John Hersey High School students will have the chance to apply for the Spirit of Carol Cooling Scholarship again next year. The CATA will continue to fund the scholarship through 2024.

CHICAGO (Dec. 23, 2015) – Chicagoland new-car dealers are busy this holiday season, but not in the way one might think. Sure, sales are good and more people are purchasing cars, but local dealers are also busy this holiday season giving back to their communities and those in need.

Tinley Park dealership Apple Chevrolet teamed up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to host a toy drive benefiting Toys for Tots. In just one day over a three-hour period, the dealership collected 2,000 toys for kids in need. 

"It was truly amazing to see the community's support. Sometimes it just doesn't feel like Christmas, but our Toys for Tots drive really reinforced the spirit and the season of giving. This is what Christmas should be about," said Apple Chevrolet Dealer Principal John Alfirevich. 
 
"The community poured into the dealership to help; they went out of their way to donate because they said it just felt like the right thing to do," said Alfirevich. 

One donor even used Apple Chevrolet's event to teach his kids a lesson. He took them to a popular toy store and told them they could each spend $20 on a toy they wanted the most. Then, when the car was loaded up with their selections, he drove to Apple Chevrolet and told his kids they were going to learn the real meaning of Christmas - they would donate their toys to children who needed them more than they did. 

Alfirevich said toys are still rolling in, and the dealership had to ask for more donation boxes to accommodate the influx. He expressed his interest in hosting the Toys for Tots drive again next year, and hopes to make it an annual tradition to help bring joy to kids in need around the holidays.

Meanwhile, Fox Lake dealership Ray Chevrolet teamed up with the local Fire Protection District to help spread holiday cheer to local families. 

Ray Chevrolet hosted a pizza party for 34 kids at the dealership that included a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Dealership employees bought a present for each of the kids and provided them McDonald's gift certificates. Then, they took the kids on a shopping spree - each had $35, donated by Ray Chevrolet, to spend at Wal-Mart. Kids raced up and down the store aisles picking out toys, games and clothing as firefighters pushed their shopping carts and helped them pick presents.

"We wanted to do something around the holidays and, with the negativity in the Fox Lake community right now, we thought it was a great way to give back and do something for the community," said Tom Templeton, marketing director at Ray Chevrolet.

Ray Chevrolet and the Fox Lake Protection District say they also want to make this an annual event. 

CHICAGO (November 23, 2015) – The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, donated $1,500 to support the Jason McKie Foundation. Founded by former Chicago Bears player Jason McKie in 2008, the charitable group helps raise funds and spread advocacy for local veterans. McKie grew up on the military base as his father served as a master sergeant for the United State Air Force and continues to serve as a government contractor in the Pentagon. Muller Acura of Merrillville already contributed $2,000 to support the foundation, and its dealer principal Glenn Muller even competed in a charitable boxing match last month to help raise additional funds and awareness for the veteran-oriented organization. 

“While there are many honorable national organizations that help support military and veterans, I felt there was an opportunity to create a foundation that helps support local veterans to give back to all they’ve sacrificed in the name of our country,” said Jason McKie, founder of the Jason McKie Foundation for veterans. “It’s people like Glenn Muller and organizations like Muller Acura of Merrillville that help drive our organization’s mission forward – it’s a great example of neighbors helping neighbors.” 

Through the foundation, McKie has been able to establish scholarships for military dependents, whose parents have been severely injured. Additionally, the foundation gives away tickets to various sporting events, donates holiday gift cards and provides emergency assistance for medical and financial bills for military families. 

Muller Acura of Merrillville was introduced to Jason McKie through a local boxing gym. Muller has a passion for boxing, as does McKie, and the love of the sport brought them together to make a positive impact in the community.

“I find it extremely admirable that Jason McKie wanted to bring advocacy to military groups on a local level; he’s an example of someone who uses his status in such a positive way to help shed light on some of the people who need the most support,” said Muller. “I am now a board member of the organization to help oversee the fundraising initiatives as I truly believe in the foundation and fully support the cause.” 

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 created the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to help bring awareness to causes that matter the most to local dealers and to lend additional financial support. Since its inception, the program has donated more than $60,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. 

CHICAGO (August 25, 2015) -  Throughout July, Chicagoland’s new-car dealers fired up their grills to host USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers which brought in more than $121,000 for the USO of Illinois and local troops. As a culmination to the month-long campaign, Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) board of directors presented the check to the USO of Illinois during the USO’s Clark After Dark fundraiser last week.

The CATA formed a partnership with USO of Illinois three years ago to help raise awareness and funds for local troops. Since the beginning of the partnership, CATA dealers have raised more than $250,000 through the USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative where, on average, 70 dealers throughout Chicagoland communities host barbecue fundraisers on the same day in July. In its first year, CATA dealers generated $37,500 through the USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraising events. Last year, that number more than doubled to $90,000 raised. The goal was to beat $100,000 this year, and the dealers more than exceeded that by bringing in $121,000. In addition to the funds raised, dealers dedicated many hours and all of the essential resources needed to make each barbecue a special event for their communities.   

“I feel very proud and honored to lead this association of dealers,” said Mike McGrath Jr., CATA chairman. “As a dealer myself, I have a huge sense of pride as I know firsthand the hard work that goes into coordinating these events. We had 70 dealers leading the charge and rallying their individual communities to raise funds and awareness for Illinois troops. It does not at all surprise me that CATA dealers far surpassed the fundraising goal from last year. What some might not recognize is that dealers are already deeply rooted within their communities and constantly strive to make a difference. The CATA’s partnership with the USO of Illinois is a natural fit and a cause that dealers can appreciate and, demonstrably, fully support.” 

Last fall, the USO of Illinois awarded the CATA with the USO Salute to Leadership Award during its Star-Spangled Salute Gala in recognition of the association’s year-round commitment and support of local troops. As producer of the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA waives the show entrance fee for active-duty members of the military to show gratitude for their service.

“With this generous donation, the CATA has set the bar high yet again and the USO of Illinois is truly grateful,” said Alison Ruble, USO of Illinois president and CEO. “Thanks to the grassroots efforts of 70 Chicagoland dealers that participated this year, funds raised through the USO Barbecue for the Troops initiative will help the USO of Illinois continue to provide vital programs and services that deliver care and comfort to the more than 330,000 military and military families that we serve every year, and send a clear message that our Illinois communities appreciate their service to our nation.” 

To help raise awareness of the dealership fundraisers, the CATA coordinated a social media contest using the hashtag #BBQ4Troops. The contest grand prize was the Ultimate Backyard BBQ, which included cooking demos and barbecue fare from Real Urban Barbecue’s head chef, a special visit from a Chicago Blackhawks ambassador and a grill from Big Green Egg Chicago. More than 100 people submitted entries and Kathy C. from Oswego, Ill., won with 67 percent of the votes. Next month, the CATA will thank her nephew, an active military member, by throwing him the Ultimate Backyard BBQ – the first time in a while he will be reunited with family and friends before being deployed next month.

The CATA and the USO of Illinois are already planning the USO Barbecue for the Troops events for next year. The 2016 date will be Saturday, July 16. For more information on the CATA and this program please visit www.cata.info 

CHICAGO (Feb. 13) - Eighteen area charities tonight shared in more than $2.5 million raised by the 2015 Chicago Auto Show’s benevolent event, First Look for Charity, and two attendees left with the keys to new automobiles.

The event raised $2,510,714, one of the more prosperous tallies for the 24-year-old black-tie fundraiser. About 9,500 people attended First Look for Charity, held the evening before the auto show opens this year’s nine-day public run.

“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 John Webb, 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 fund-raiser were $250 each, and purchasers could elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity for which they had an affinity. For the event, the auto show floor is replete with a variety of food and beverage stations.

A highlight of the evening is the drawing for a new vehicle, the event’s grand prize. This year’s event featured two 2015 model-year prize vehicles: a Ford Explorer and a Ford Fusion. Joe Alexander, of Joliet, held the winning ticket for the Explorer; and Chicagoans Mike and Eileen Mertens won the Fusion.

A past member of the Misericordia Heartracers, Alexander said he has ran three marathons to raise funds for the nonprofit, which also is a First Look for Charity beneficiary. Now in graduate school, Alexander said he can’t devote the time to train for another marathon, so he supports Misericordia by attending benefits in which the charity is involved.

Fans of Chicago’s team on Major League Baseball’s junior circuit, the Martenses said they intend to take their new Fusion and “drive it down to spring training and watch the White Sox.” Proceeds of their First Look for Charity ticket purchase benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.

In all, 18 Chicago area charities profited from this year’s event. Other organizations included 100 Club of Chicago, Advocate Sherman Hospital, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Clearbrook, and The Cradle Foundation.

Also, Franciscan Community Benefit Service, Franciscan St. James Health, Ray Graham for the Association of People with Disabilities, Illinois Spina Bifida Association, and JDRF. 

And, the Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, March of Dimes, Special Olympics Illinois, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.