Elgin – Chicagoland new-car dealers are once again on a summertime mission to raise awareness and funds for local troops and their families. For the second consecutive year, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) and its dealer members have partnered with the USO of Illinois to host more than 60 Barbecue for the Troops community fundraising events.
On Saturday, July 19, Feeny Auto Group is firing up the grill to host a community fundraising event with food and fun for all ages. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will directly support troops deployed and at home; military families; wounded, ill and injured troops as well as families of the fallen.
The July 19 event details include:
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• Location: Feeny Auto Group, 1010 East Chicago Street Elgin, IL 60120
• Kick-Off on Friday, 7/18 with US 99 broadcasting live and bull riding!
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• BBQ on Saturday, 7/19 with WCIU THE U & a DARE-TO-COMPARE RAM TRUCK TEST DRIVE EVENT and 97.9 The Loop's Loop Rock Girl Meet-and-Greet!
In 2013, the inaugural year of the USO Barbecue for the Troops program, CATA member dealers collectively raised $37,500 – accounting for approximately 40 percent of the total funds raised nationally through this initiative.
This is just one example of the goodwill that Chicagoland new-car dealers bring to their communities,” said Colin Wickstrom, CATA chairman. “I can genuinely speak on behalf of the CATA membership when I say that, as an association, we’re proud to be a part of such a great cause and we look forward to kicking off this year’s USO Barbecue for the Troops events.”
“Last year’s partnership with the CATA was a huge success, raising $37,500 worth of funds that were used to provide programming for local military and their families. We saw firsthand just how much of a positive impact local Chicagoland dealers have in their communities and are overwhelmed by the response we have had this year by returning and new dealerships,” stated Alison Ruble, president and CEO of the USO of Illinois.
Those who cannot attend an event can still show their support for the troops and have a chance to win barbecue-themed prizes on social media. Now through July 21, fans can submit barbecue photos or videos with hashtag #BBQ4Troops on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to be entered to win weekly prizes from Bub City and a grand prize – a barbecue basket filled with a gift card, barbecue sauces, dry rubs, flavored wood chips, a T-shirt and other barbecue accessories – from Real Urban BBQ.
USO Barbecue for the Troops is a national fundraising campaign that encourages organizations and communities to host barbecues and raise funds for local USO programs and services. For the full listing of CATA Barbecue for the Troops events, visit www.DriveChicago.com. For more information on the overall Barbecue for the Troops initiative, please visit www.BarbecuefortheTroops.com.
