Local Dealerships raise funds through USO BBQ for the Troops

On July 16, eighty, local, new car dealers fired up their grills and hosted individual community fundraising events for the USO of Illinois, breaking the record set in 2015 and collectively raising $160,000. Participating dealers gathered at the USO of Illinois’ Clark After Dark event to formally present the check.

“This i s the fourth year that the CATA has partnered with the USO of Illinois on the Barbecue for the Troops effort, and we’re thrilled that this program continues to gain momentum,” said CATA Chairman John Hennessy. “It doesn’t come as a surprise. Dealers are deeply rooted within their commun ities and this cause truly resonates with everyone. Rallying their communities in support of the USO of Illinois is one way dealers can show gratitude for all that U.S. troops do to keep us safe each and every day.”

Since the campaign’s launch in 2013, Chicagoland’s new-car dealers have raised more than $420,000 for the USO of Illinois, quite a feat for an initiative that started as a grassroots program. This past July, Chicagoans who visited their local new-car dealers’ Barbecue for the Troops events found everything from patriotic ceremonies - including 21 gun salutes and the national anthem sung by American Idol stars - to giant inflatables for kids and classic car shows, all to help raise awareness and entice communities to donate money for local troops.