CHICAGO, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), in partnership with the USO, has concluded the 13th annual Drive for the Troops campaign, raising more than $59,000 to support service members and their families. Throughout the month of July, Chicagoland new-car dealers hosted a variety of fundraising events and initiatives to benefit the USO and support its mission.
Dealerships across the Chicagoland area hosted community events and fundraising initiatives, including barbecues, car shows, bike rides, raffles and online campaigns. The CATA Golf Outing & Annual Meeting also contributed to this year’s campaign, with fundraising efforts from the event combined with dealer contributions to benefit the USO.
“Drive for the Troops continues to demonstrate the tremendous impact our dealers can make when they come together to support an important cause,” said CATA Chairman Steve Phillipos. “For 13 years, our dealers, their employees and their communities have rallied around the men and women who serve our country. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s campaign a success.”
Since its inception, Drive for the Troops has generated more than $1.2 million through nearly 800 dealership-led fundraising events. The campaign supports the USO’s efforts to provide critical resources, programs and services to service members and their families.
“The USO is incredibly grateful to the CATA and its dealer members for their continued commitment to supporting our nation’s service members and their families,” said Christopher Schmidt, USO Area Director, Midwest and Great Lakes. “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.”
The 2026 campaign culminated with a special check presentation at the USO Great Lakes Center, where CATA staff and board members presented a donation of $59,245.04 to the USO.
“On behalf of the CATA, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who supported this year’s Drive for the Troops campaign,” said Phillipos. “Every event, donation and fundraising effort helped bring this year’s campaign to life and contributed to an important cause.”
For more information on the CATA, visit www.cata.info. For more information on the USO, please visit USO.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 19,000 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 USO
The USO is the leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families. Since 1941, the USO has been by the side of service members throughout their military service. Impactful support is provided through our 250+ locations around the world, a robust care package delivery program, global entertainment, military spouse and youth programming, and much more, all made possible by donors, corporate partners, volunteers and staff. To learn more and support our critical mission around the globe, please visit USO.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association
