Driving donations: For the eleventh straight year, Chicago area new car dealerships are teaming up with the United Service Organization to grill food in a fundraiser for Chicago area military families.
Car dealerships have long been community anchors – supporting schools, scouts, libraries, and Little League.
And for the last decade, Chicago-area dealers have been dedicated to serving those who serve the country.
“Our troops support the country, we need to support our troops,” said Jason Roberts of Advantage Chevrolet in Bridgeview, representing one of more than 50 Chicago area dealers participating in the 11th annual Barbecue for the Troops.
“So we get out there, fire up the grills, have a good time,” he said.
The barbecues will occur at dealerships across the area on Saturday, July 13.
“Being able to go anywhere in Chicagoland and step up to support those who have raised their hand in service to this nation and for us all is a really special thing,” said Chris Schmidt, USO executive director.
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association’s new car dealerships are partnering with the USO to raise money for Chicago-area active-duty service members and military families.
“The USO is all about the community, the dealers are all about the community and we’re here to support the local troops,” said Jennifer Morand, CATA president.
It all started with one grill and a tin can to collect a few bucks – but a decade later the idea spread from dealership to dealership, raising more than 1.1 million dollars for the USO.
“It’s a range of things,” Schmidt added. “Sometimes just a simple grill out of hot dogs and burgers, and at the other end, bands and bouncy houses, and more and more patriotism.”