Supporters get revved up for first look at auto show
Every year members of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association turn the eve of their 10-day Chicago Auto Show into a glamorous fundraiser for local charities.
With this year being the 100th anniversary year, the gala benefit took on even more prestige, while raising $2.4 million for local human service agencies.
Called "First Look for Charity," it took place Thursday at McCormick Place and drew more than 10,000 supporters of 18 Chicago-area nonprofit organizations, including Clearbrook, based in Arlington Heights, and Wellness Place, a cancer support center in Inverness.
At $225 a ticket, guests donned their fanciest black-tie outfits to mingle with celebrities and officials in the car industry at the elegant bash, as well as check out the nearly 1,000 vehicles on display.
During the evening, they mixed visiting the abundant food and music stations, while getting the first look at the complete range of domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks, sport utility vehicles, experimental and concept cars on display.
Their admission price is turned into a donation, either to the charity of their choice, or to be split among a portion or all of the 18 charities, depending on how each guest designates it.
Bob Loquercio, chairman of this year's auto show, said "First Look for Charity" is a tradition among trade association members and demonstrates their commitment to the communities they serve.
"All the benefiting charities are involved locally," Loquercio said. "So the money that's raised in Chicago stays in Chicago."
Clearbrook, which serves children and adults with disabilities, drew support from 400 guests who attended, as well as corporate sponsors.
"With our funding from the state being especially erratic this year, Clearbrook relies heavily on the support we receive from our sponsors through this stellar black-tie affair," said Carl M. LaMell, president.
Likewise, the support from the 350 guests of Wellness Place, one of four Cancer Health Alliance facilities to benefit, will help fund its range of free services including its newest one, an art therapy program.
Other organizations that benefited included: Advocate Hope Children's Hospital; Autism Speaks; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Campagna Academy; Children's Memorial Hospital; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet; The Cradle Foundation; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Misericordia; the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities; Ronald McDonald House Charities; and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago; Spina Bifida Association of Illinois; and St. Coletta's of Illinois Foundation.