Chicago Automobile Trade Association Matches Arlington Heights Ford's Donation to Elite Stars Foundation

Chicago Automobile Trade Association Matches Arlington Heights Ford's Donation to Elite Stars Foundation    

CHICAGO (July 24, 2019) - Chicagoland's new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), recently matched Arlington Heights Ford's $500 contribution to Elite Stars Foundation, a charitable organization offering unique gymnastics programs to individuals with special needs - both developmental and physical.

"The CATA's Chicagoland Dealers Care match program not only helps our member dealers' dollars stretch a little further for these charities, but it also helps to put a spotlight on new-car dealers' generosity and charitable work within the communities," said CATA President David Sloan. 

"During a visit to Elite Stars Foundation's practice facility, I was able to get an inside look at how this wonderful organization helps people with limiting disabilities," said Tony Guido, co-owner of Arlington Heights Ford. "As a local business and dealership owner in Arlington Heights, we take pride in helping people in need right here within our community. Arlington Heights Ford applauds Elite Stars Foundation for all of their remarkable work helping individuals with special needs." 

Elite Stars Foundation began its gymnastics training program 15 years ago to help individuals with special needs of all ages.

"Having a daughter with special needs in the Elite Stars program, I'm able to see firsthand the incredible impact the organization has on these individuals," said Elite Stars Foundation President Michael Jones. "For the first time this year, the Elite Stars gymnastics team competed professionally in Orlando, Florida; it was such an amazing and emotional experience for the team, coaches, staff and parents of the athletes. We are so thankful to Arlington Heights Ford and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association for their collective donation of $1,000. That generous contribution will go a long way."

Elite Stars Foundation attracts gymnasts throughout the area, ranging from Chicago, Schaumburg and South Barrington. The programs are designed to empower all athletes to reach their highest potential, both physically and mentally. Education, training, diet, nutrition, fitness, wellness and community involvement are all a part of its unique program that works to develop well-rounded individuals.

The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated more than $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised more than $53 million for significant Chicago-area charities during the annual First Look for Charity black-tie event, held the evening before the Chicago Auto Show opens to the public. 

For more details on the Chicagoland Dealers Care program, please visit www.ChicagolandDealersCare.com. For more information on the Elite Stars Foundation, visit http://elitestars.org/.