Chicagoland Dealers Unite to Raise Over $59,000 for USO in 13th Annual Campaign

Chicagoland Dealers Raise Funds for USO

In a remarkable display of community support, the Chicagoland new-car dealers have successfully concluded the 13th annual Drive for the Troops campaign, showcasing their commitment to service members and their families. Over the month of July, participating dealers organized various fundraising events that collectively raised a commendable amount of $59,245.04 for the United Service Organizations (USO).

The campaign kicked off with local dealerships engaging their communities in fun-filled and charitable events, ranging from barbecues and car shows to bike rides and raffles. Online campaigns also played a significant role in increasing donations, allowing even more members of the community to get involved in supporting the cause.

One highlight of the campaign was the CATA Golf Outing Annual Meeting, where attendees contributed to the fundraising efforts. According to CATA Chairman Steve Phillipos, these collective actions illustrate the powerful impact that local dealers can make when they rally around a significant cause. He commented, "The Drive for the Troops continues to demonstrate the tremendous impact our dealers can make when they come together to support an important cause."

Since its inception, the Drive for the Troops initiative has raised over $1.2 million through nearly 800 dealership-led events, effectively supporting the USO's mission to provide vital resources, programs, and services to service members and their families.

Christopher Schmidt, USO Area Director for the Midwest and Great Lakes, expressed gratitude towards the CATA and its dealers, emphasizing that the community spirit seen throughout the campaign is integral to the USO's ability to offer meaningful assistance to military personnel and their families. "The generosity and community spirit demonstrated through Drive for the Troops helps the USO continue providing meaningful support and moments of connection to those who serve," Schmidt stated.

The culmination of this year's campaign featured a special check presentation at the USO Great Lakes Center, where members from the CATA proudly presented the donation to the organization.

As Chairman Phillipos noted on behalf of the CATA, "Every event, donation, and fundraising effort helped bring this year's campaign to life and contributed to an important cause." This ongoing partnership between the Chicagoland dealers and the USO exemplifies the appreciation and support for those serving in the military, underscoring how vital community involvement is to the welfare of service members.

For those interested in learning more about the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, additional information can be found at www.cata.info. Similarly, the USO invites the public to discover more about its initiatives and ways to contribute by visiting USO.org. Both organizations continue to thrive on the support from their respective communities.

Overall, the Drive for the Troops campaign has not only been a tremendous fundraising success but also serves as a vital reminder of the power of community and the importance of standing by those who serve the nation.

As the years progress, the impact of initiatives like these becomes increasingly significant, reminding everyone of the vital role played by communities in uplifting and aiding our service members and their families.