The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producers of the Chicago Auto Show, proudly announces two new charitable organizations to join the list of beneficiaries for First Look for Charity: The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago and Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Additionally, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago returns to the event as one of the 18 total benefitting organizations.

The First Look for Charity black-tie gala is held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public, transforming the show floor at McCormick Place into a night of elegance and generosity. Each year, the event raises more than $2 million for Chicago-area nonprofits. Charities are selected by the CATA board of directors and typically participate in the program for a nine-year term.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, founded in 1946, is dedicated to helping over 140,000 people living with epilepsy in the Chicagoland area reach their fullest potential through direct services, educational programs, community-based events, and advocacy that supports public awareness and reduces the stigmas that so often accompany the disorder. Their wide-reaching work includes case management, clinical counseling, support groups, and public education campaigns. Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a wide range of mental and physical functions. Over 3.4 million Americans live with epilepsy.

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI), is one of the largest councils in the nation, serving 32,500 girls and 16,500 adults across urban, suburban, and rural communities. For more than 113 years, the organization has provided safe, supportive spaces where girls build confidence, friendships, and leadership skills while breaking barriers to participation. The mission of GSGCNWI is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. 

The CATA is pleased to welcome back Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago as a returning First Look for Charity beneficiary. A consistent force for good throughout the region, Catholic Charities provides more than 150 programs and services to individuals and families in need. Previously a benefiting charity from 2014 to 2023, their nine-year term concluded, and they have now been reinstated for another term.

“Adding these incredible organizations to our First Look for Charity event strengthens our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of people across Chicagoland,” said CATA Board Member and First Look for Charity Chair Jerry Haggerty. “This gala is more than just a night of luxury; it’s about investing in our communities through organizations that truly move the needle.”

Since its inception, First Look for Charity has raised more than $65 million for local nonprofits. The CATA and its member dealers also give back year-round through the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, which matches donations from CATA dealers to local causes in their communities.

The full listing of 2026 First Look for Charity beneficiaries include: 100 Club of Illinois; Advocate Health Care; ALS United Greater Chicago; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Cal’s Angels Pediatric Cancer Foundation; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana; Habitat for Humanity; Jesse White Tumbling Team; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; Misericordia; Sertoma Star Services; Special Olympics Illinois; Susan G. Komen, Chicago; and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.

The 2026 First Look for Charity will be held Friday, February 6 at McCormick Place. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit FirstLookforCharity.org.