Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Clumns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Toggle search form
  • Orland Township Trustee Lena Matariyeh joined with High School District 230 Trustee and newly appointed Orland Fire Commissioner Mohammed Jaber to put a spotlight on its important role in helping needy families.
    Orland Township Trustee Matariyeh joins School District Trustee Jaber in showcasing Food Pantry food
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Leving team court victory protected dad from crushing debt Dads' Rights
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    In response to draft effort, Jesse Jackson Jr. forms Exploratory Committee to consider 2nd Congressional District run Chicago
  • OFPD responds to fire at the loading Dock of Marshalls Retail Store, 101 Orland Park Place Mall. Photo submitted by resident
    Quick Orland Fire response prevents Marshall’s fire from spreading, no injuries Fire
  • Attorneys Jeffery Leving Arthur Kallow
    Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar – Defending Orders of Protection Arthur Kallow
  • Police Blotter
    Orland Park Police Department Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run accident
  • Taste of Orland Park 2025
    Taste of Orland Park Returns to Village Center with Food, Fun and Festivities Events
  • Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge
    Exclusive interview with Orland Mayor Jim Dodge says former mayor left huge debt breaking news
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 Season schedule Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Everything you need to know about your Property Index Number or PIN Blogger
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Threatening FEMA Employees and Law Enforcement Officers Crime
  • SeatGeek Stadium
    Chivas de Guadalajara and Club Leon to meet in Chicago Bridgeview
  • OFPD Trustee DJ Jeffers, COmmissioner Mohammed Jaber, Events and Safety Coordinator Betsy Dine and McDonalds Manager Doug Kwiatkowski join about 100 kids who participated at the Frozen with a Firefighter event Wednesday, July 9, 2025
    Frozen with an Orland Firefighter at McDonald’s Events
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Chicago dad’s court victory brought kidnapped daughter home Dads' Rights
  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly official photo
    Leading members of State’s Gun Violence Prevention Community endorse Robin Kelly for U.S. Senate elections
WASHINGTON (Oct. 7, 2010) Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos introduces Sgt. Eric B. Walker as the USO Marine of the Year at the 2010 USO Gala. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos/Released) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chicagoland auto dealers raise $147,000 for USO

Posted on August 17, 2017August 17, 2017 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Chicagoland auto dealers raise $147,000 for USO
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Chicagoland auto dealers raise $147,000 for USO

Record One-hundred Chicagoland New-car Dealers Raise $147,000 for the USO of Illinois in Fifth-annual Barbecue for the Troops Program. 2018 USO Barbecue for the Troops Date Announced: Sat., July 14

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, partnered with the USO of Illinois for the fifth consecutive year of “Barbecue for the Troops.” On Sat., July 15, a record 100 local car dealerships, spanning 50 different communities, fired up their grills to host Barbecue for the Troops fundraisers in support of the USO of Illinois. This year alone, the campaign generated $147,000 locally. Since the program’s inception in 2013, the dealers’ grassroots events have brought in more than $560,000 for local troops and their families.

“Even beyond the funds raised, which is unequivocally important, each year the dealers pour their hearts, souls and personal resources into making each individual community event unique and special,” said CATA Chairman Ray Scarpelli Jr. “Past events have included everything from patriotic ceremonies with a 21-gun salute, classic car shows involving local car clubs, live bands, giant inflatable bounce houses for kids, face painting, balloon-making, dog washes and, of course, barbecue – all to draw the interest of the community and bring crowds out on a summer Saturday to support the USO of Illinois.”

English: WASHINGTON (Oct. 7, 2010) Assistant C...
WASHINGTON (Oct. 7, 2010) Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos introduces Sgt. Eric B. Walker as the USO Marine of the Year at the 2010 USO Gala. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos/Released) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The CATA and participating dealers will join the USO of Illinois onstage at Clark After Dark for a formal 2017 USO Barbecue for the Troops program check presentation. The USO of Illinois’ ninth annual Clark After Dark, held the evening of Thursday, Aug. 17, is a popular street festival for Chicagoans that offers a night of fun in the heart of Chicago’s River North district with an opportunity to support the troops.

“I believe this is the year that we’ve reached the tipping point,” continued Scarpelli. “More and more, people recognize the fact that new-car dealers are the pillars of their communities and are well-positioned to bring together their neighbors in support of this amazing cause like not many can. We’re thrilled with the participation and support this year, and look forward to partnering with the USO of Illinois to help serve our troops for many years to come.”

The money collected during the Barbecue for the Troops program helps the USO of Illinois serve more than 318,000 active duty, guard and reserve military and military family members annually through three program areas including USO centers, military family programs and community connection programs.

“The USO prides itself on being the ‘force behind the forces’ by keeping our service members connected to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation,” said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble. “It is only with partnerships like the Barbecue for the Troops initiative with the CATA and local new-car dealers that the USO is able to support our service members. The USO of Illinois is very grateful to the CATA for their continued leadership and generous support that enables us to stay connected with more than 318,000 military and military families every year.”

Ruble added, “Thanks in part to the 100 local new-car dealers that have participated over the last five years, we are able to continue delivering programs and services to our service members that provide care and comfort, and send an important message that the American people appreciate their service and sacrifices.”

As the USO Barbecue for the Troops program continues to grow each year with heightened dealer participation and community awareness, the CATA and the USO of Illinois are already gearing up for 2018. Next summer, the official Barbecue for the Troops events will be held at local dealerships on Sat., July 14, 2018.

For more information on the CATA’s USO Barbecue for the Troops program, please contact CATA Director of Public Relations and Social Media Jennifer Morand at jmorand@drivechicago.com. For more information on the CATA, visit www.cata.info. For more information on the USO of Illinois, please visit http://usoofillinois.org or contact USO of Illinois Marketing and Communications Manager Rachel Feinberg at rfeinberg@usoofillinois.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 is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.

About the USO of Illinois

The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. Supporting more than 318,000 troops and their families every year, the USO of Illinois is a civilian 501(c)(3) non-profit that is supported solely by the generosity of the American people. For more information about the USO of Illinois, visit: www.usoofillinois.org.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Orland Township Trustee Matariyeh joins School District Trustee Jaber in showcasing Food Pantry - July 17, 2025
  • Leving team court victory protected dad from crushing debt - July 17, 2025
  • In response to draft effort, Jesse Jackson Jr. forms Exploratory Committee to consider 2nd Congressional District run - July 15, 2025
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Business, News, Releases Tags:auto dealers, Chicagoland, fundraising, USO

Post navigation

Previous Post: Bridgeview looks to add hotel
Next Post: Bridgeview police search for armed suspect

Related Posts

  • Fizzled Fourth News
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Fathers’ Rights: Innocent dad in jeopardy of arrest wins in court, keeping him out of jail and with his kids Chicago
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving. Specializing in Fathers' Rights, Family Law, Child custody, divorce proceedings
    Leving Legal and law enforcement recover little girl for Dad Chicago
  • Arrested in Orland Park April 12, 2024:  Jeffery Meyer,  (Male/21 years old), Chicago Heights, IL 60411
    Drug investigation leads to multiple Felony charges in drug sales at Sandburg High school Crime
  • OFPD Fire Chief Michael Schofield, award recipient Lt. Daniel Ritchie, and presenter Illinois Task Force 1 Team Leader and OFPD Battalion Chief John Purtill
    Orland Firefighter volunteers honored for helping victims of Hurricane Helene Crime
  • Orland Township Supervisor gets COVID-19 vaccination. Partners with Jewel to provide vaccines to seniors and residents.
    All Adults Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Shots Baby Boomers

More Related Articles

Residents pan IDOT plan for 55th Street News
Flanagan’s Wake, will return to Chicago Saturday, September 23 through Thursday, November 9. Flanagan’s Wake, which has played in the Chicagoland area steadily since 1994, will run in tandem with Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding at Chicago’s newest venue, Chicago Theater Works (1113 W. Belmont). Flanagan’s Wake returns to Chicago at new location Entertainment
Southwest Regional Publishing co-owner Mike Thiessen (right) accepts the Illinois Press Association's top General Excellence Award for non-daily newspapers on June 5. Credit: Provided Southwest Regional Publishing wins top General Excellence award for nondaily newspapers Chicago
Police Blotter Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township student Cook County
J.B. Pritzker receives endorsement from UFCW. Pritzker's Facebook Page Pritzker joins Federal, State and Local Leaders to break ground on next phase of Springfield Rail Business
“No regrets” News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Everything you need to know about your Property Index Number or PIN
    July 12, 2025
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Chicago parents and other community leaders must work together to make sure this summer isn’t deadly for our children
    July 3, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office
    June 27, 2025
  • Attorneys Jeffery Leving Arthur Kallow
    Honoring Fathers: A Father’s Day Reflection
    June 13, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners
    June 13, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Two Guys on Politics Podcast on Elon Musk, Trump’s Parade, LA Riots, and Middle East ban
    June 12, 2025
  • NEWS
  • Orland Township Trustee Lena Matariyeh joined with High School District 230 Trustee and newly appointed Orland Fire Commissioner Mohammed Jaber to put a spotlight on its important role in helping needy families.
    Orland Township Trustee Matariyeh joins School District Trustee Jaber in showcasing Food Pantry
    July 17, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Leving team court victory protected dad from crushing debt
    July 17, 2025
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 Season schedule
    July 12, 2025
  • SeatGeek Stadium
    Chivas de Guadalajara and Club Leon to meet in Chicago
    July 12, 2025
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Orland Township Trustee Lena Matariyeh joined with High School District 230 Trustee and newly appointed Orland Fire Commissioner Mohammed Jaber to put a spotlight on its important role in helping needy families.
    Orland Township Trustee Matariyeh joins School District Trustee Jaber in showcasing Food Pantry
    July 17, 2025
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    In response to draft effort, Jesse Jackson Jr. forms Exploratory Committee to consider 2nd Congressional District run
    July 15, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme