The Chicago Automobile Trade Association and USO of Illinois Designate July to Help Support Local Troops

Chicagoland New-Car Dealers to Host USO Barbecue for the Troops Events on July 16

News provided by

Chicago Automobile Trade Association

Jun 22, 2016, 12:39 ET

CHICAGO, June 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicagoland new-car dealers are once again on a summertime mission to raise awareness and funds for local troops and their families. For the fourth year running, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and its dealer members have partnered with the USO of Illinois to host "Barbecue for the Troops" community fundraising events. Over the past three years, 100 CATA dealers have rallied their communities to help raise more than a quarter of a million dollars to support USO of Illinois programs and services. The CATA and USO of Illinois are hopeful this year will be bigger and better than ever, as dealers' annual fundraising efforts have begun to resonate with customers in their communities.

In addition to the July 16 fundraisers, the CATA and the USO of Illinois will extend the campaign message throughout the month of July by:

hosting a media kickoff event at the United Center on June 29 to help drive excitement and awareness for the July 16 barbecue fundraisers;
encouraging people to donate loose change from their cup holders at participating dealer's service departments during an oil change or tire rotation;
and continuing to spread awareness via social media with the #BBQ4Troops contest. Beginning July 1, fans can submit a photo/caption or 15-second-or-less video describing why they'd like to win the "Ultimate Backyard BBQ." Real Urban Barbecue head chef will personally cook up the grub and a Chicago Blackhawks ambassador will crash the party for the winner and 50 friends.

"What do all car dealers have in common? This summer, on July 16, nearly 100 dealers will be firing up their grills to host barbecue fundraisers in support of the USO of Illinois and local troops," said CATA Chairman John Hennessy. "Dealers play such an integral role in their communities; they're truly the pillar of their towns and can rally support from their neighbors like not many can."

Each dealer will tap into existing relationships within their community to add a unique spin on their fundraising barbecues. 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 on July 16.

"As the Fourth of July approaches, it is important that we pause to reflect on the service and sacrifices of the men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces. We honor those who have gone before, and those who currently serve our nation," said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble. "This summer, the USO of Illinois and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association will once again partner with local dealerships to honor and support the service of our military and military families throughout July with the USO's Barbecue for the Troops initiative. Since 2013, 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 Barbecue for the Troops. We are proud to stand with the CATA and salute all those who have served or currently serve our nation."

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.

About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.

About the USO of Illinois
The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. Supporting over 330,000 troops and their families every year, the USO of Illinois is a civilian 501(c)(3) non-profit that is supported solely by the generosity of the American people. For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit: www.usoofillinois.org.

SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association