Chicagoland new-car dealers are once again on a summertime mission to raise awareness and funds for local troops and their families. On Saturday, July 13, Webb Hyundai Merrillville and Webb Hyundai Highland are firing up the grill to host a community fundraising event with food and fun for all ages. The proceeds raised will directly support local military and their families.
For the seventh consecutive year, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, and its dealer members have partnered with the USO of Illinois on the annual USO Barbecue for the Troops program. Over the past six years, CATA dealers have rallied their communities to help raise nearly $750,000 in support of USO of Illinois programs and services.
Both the Webb Hyundai BBQ Grilling events will take place on July 13 at 1000 81st Ave. in Merrillville, IN and at 9236 South Indianapolis Blvd. in Highland, Indiana.
“The USO of Illinois is proud to partner with the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and local new-car dealers for the seventh year in a row for the USO BBQ for the Troops initiative,” said USO of Illinois President and CEO Alison Ruble.
“The USO BBQ for the Troops program has raised nearly $750,000 to support local troops and their families. The support of service members’ hometown communities and local new-car dealerships has allowed the USO of Illinois to support more than 326,000 service members and their families annually through hundreds of programs and services. Neighbors supporting neighbors through initiatives like Barbecue for the Troops makes communities even stronger and joining your local dealership for their BBQ in July is a great way to get involved! From the USO of Illinois and all those who serve our nation, we thank you for your generous support,” Ruble continued.
Awareness will also spread via social media, where people are encouraged to post, tweet and share why they want to win the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue with #BBQ4Troops. Beginning July 1, fans can submit a photo along with a short caption describing why they or someone they know should win the “Ultimate Backyard BBQ” as part of the #BBQ4Troops social media contest. Real Urban Barbecue’s head chef will personally cook up barbecue fare for the winner and 50 friends…make that 51 because a Chicago Blackhawks player/ ambassador will also make a special appearance.
For more information on Webb Hyundai’s USO Barbecue for the Troops event, visit https://www.webbhyundai.com/wso-bbq.
The full listing of dealership USO Barbecue for the Troops events will be available on www.DriveChicago.com by July 1. For more information on Barbecue for the Troops and the USO of Illinois, please visit www.usoofillinois.org.
