Suburban car dealers fire up their grills to benefit USO Illinois
Chicago and suburban new car dealers will join in the 10th annual Barbecue for the Troops Saturday, July 15, to support USO Illinois.
The event is sponsored by the Oakbrook Terrace-based Chicago Automobile Trade Association.
More than 50 dealerships representing more than 35 communities across the Chicago area will fire up grills, offer free services such as car washes, and collect donations to support USO Illinois.
All of the proceeds raised will support troops deployed and at home; military families; wounded, ill and injured troops as well as families of the fallen.
The 2022 event had 63 participating new car dealers who hosted events that ranged from online fundraisers to full-blown community summer festivals that included a rifle salute, live music, bouncy houses and barbecue.
Since the program's inception, dealers have raised more than $1 million for local military and their families, according to a news release.
Donations will be accepted online as well.
For details, visit illinois.uso.org/support/uso-bbq-for-the-troops.
Participating dealers
Antioch: Raymond Chevrolet, Raymond Kia
Arlington Heights: Arlington Heights Buick GMC, Arlington Heights Ford
Barrington: Marquardt of Barrington, Wickstrom auto group (donations only)
Crystal Lake: Brilliance Honda, Crystal Lake Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Napleton Buick-GMC,
Downers Grove: Pugi Volkswagen
Elburn: Bob Jass Chevrolet
Elgin: Brilliance Subaru of Elgin
Elmhurst: McGrath Toyota of Elmhurst
Fox Lake: Ray Chevrolet, Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Glen Ellyn: Jerry Haggerty Chevrolet
Glenview: Jennings Chevrolet, Jennings Volkswagen
Grayslake: City Chevrolet of Grayslake
Highland Park: Acura Highland Park
Libertyville: Liberty Auto City
Naperville: Advantage Acura of Naperville
Palatine: Chevrolet of Palatine, Hyundai of Palatine
Roselle: Dick Wickstrom Chevy
St. Charles: Fox Valley Buick GMC, Fox Valley Volkswagen, Hawk Ford of St. Charles
Villa Park: Haggerty Buick GMC
West Chicago: Haggerty Ford
Wheeling: Tasca Chevrolet