11th Annual Troop BBQ Fundraiser to be Held at 65 New Car Dealerships in the Chicago Area
Chicago Automobile Trade Association and USO Partner for 11th Year
CHICAGO, July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Chicago area new car dealerships are firing up the grills to raise awareness and funds for local military members and their families.th Annual Troop Barbecue community fundraising events will be held across the region on Saturday July 13More than 65 dealers have pledged their support for the cause and plan to offer a range of activities including patriotic ceremonies, classic car displays, live music, games for children of all ages and a freshly grilled barbecue lunch.
By expanding the program to a month-long activity, participating dealers will also make a donation to the USO for every test drive at the dealership during the month of July.
Since the launch of the program, CATA dealers have mobilized to collect more than $1.1 million to support USO programs and services with more than 600 fundraisers.
“Supporting the USO and local military members and their families is a cause that everyone can rally around, and what better organization to lead this effort than local new car dealerships who are already pillars of their communities,” said Jason RobertsPresident of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association. “What dealers have been able to accomplish over the past ten years of this program is incredible and we are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this collective fundraising effort that is so critical to supporting our troops.”
“The support of local military communities and local new car dealerships has enabled the USO to positively impact more than 300,000 military members and their families each year through hundreds of programs and services and our USO Centers across the country. Illinois,” said Christopher SchmidtUSO Executive Director. “Neighbors helping neighbors through initiatives like BBQ for the Troops make communities even stronger, and joining your local dealer for their July BBQ is a great way to get involved!”
“On behalf of the USO and all who serve our nation, we thank all participating dealers and their communities for their generous support,” Schmidt continued.
For those unable to make it to a dealership for the BBQ for the Troops event July 13The fundraiser will run online throughout July. Interested parties can also donate online at https://one.bidpal.net/bbq4troops/browse/donation.
To find a complete list of CATA BBQ for the Troops dealer fundraisers, visit https://www.cata.info/2024-BBQ-for-the-Troops. For more information about the USO, visit Illinois.USO.org.
About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation’s largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It includes more than 420 franchised new car dealers and 150 other associate members. The group’s dealer members employ approximately 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, visit www.CATA.info.
About USO
The USO is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the well-being of America’s military members and their families. Since 1941, the USO has been alongside service members throughout their military service. Effective support is provided through our 250 locations worldwide, a robust care package program, global entertainment, military spouse and youth programs, and much more—all made possible by donors, corporate partners, volunteers and staff. To learn more and support our vital mission around the world, please visit USO.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association
