The Chicago Automobile Trade Association teamed up with the USO to raise more than $59,000 to support servicemembers and their families through their 13th annual Drive for the Troops campaign in July.

Dealerships throughout Chicagoland hosted community events and held fundraisers like cookouts, car shows, bike rides, raffles and online campaigns in support of the effort. The dealer organization’s CATA Golf Outing & Annual Meeting also raised money.

“Drive for the Troops continues to demonstrate the tremendous impact our dealers can make when they come together to support an important cause,” CATA chairman Steve Phillipos said in a news release.

“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,” he said.

USO area director Christopher Schmidt said, “”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. 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.”

Phillipos added, “On behalf of the CATA, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who supported this year’s Drive for the Troops campaign. Every event, donation and fundraising effort helped bring this year’s campaign to life and contributed to an important cause.”

Plaza has your back(pack)

Moving east to New York, Plaza Auto Mall held its “Plaza Has Your Back: 2026” event in Brooklyn, where the dealership and its partners distributed hundreds of free backpacks and school supplies to local students as they begin a new school year.

Last week’s event also included family friendly activities like face painting, games, balloon sculptures, music and snacks.

“For more than 50 years, Brooklyn families have supported Plaza Auto Mall,” Plaza Auto Mall general manager Adam Rosatti said in a news release.

“Giving back is one of the ways we say thank you—and help Brooklyn’s next generation move forward,”