This past Saturday, the Chicago Automobile Trade again partnered with the USO to host the 11th annual BBQ for the Troops fundraisers. More than 60 local new-car dealerships rallied their communities to host fundraising events which featured everything from patriotic ceremonies, classic car shows, live music, games for kids of all ages and, of course, barbecues.

To date, this year’s fundraiser has brought in more than $10,000 for the USO but we’re not done yet! Online fundraising efforts will continue throughout the month of July. Additionally, participating dealers will be making a donation for every test drive in the month of July. Since the program’s inception, CATA dealers have rallied to raise more than $1.1 million to support USO programs and services with more than 600 fundraisers taking place.

“Supporting the USO and local service members and their families is a cause everyone can rally around, and what better organization to drive the effort than the local new-car dealers who are already pillars of their communities,” said Jason Roberts, Chicago Automobile Trade Association chairman. “What the dealers have been able to achieve over the last ten years of this program is incredible and we are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this collective fundraising effort that is so crucial to support our troops.”

“The support of service members’ hometown communities and local new-car dealerships has allowed the USO to positively impact more than 300,000 service members and their families annually through hundreds of programs and services as well as our USO Centers across Illinois,” said Christopher Schmidt, USO Executive Director. “Neighbors helping neighbors through initiatives like BBQ for the Troops makes communities even stronger and joining your local dealership for their BBQ in July is a great way to get involved!”

“From the USO and all those who serve our nation, we thank all of the participating dealers and their communities for the generous support,” Schmidt continued.

For more information and to make a donation, visit https://www.cata.info/2024-BBQ-for-the-Troops.