USO, car dealers team up on barbecues to raise money for troops

After the Fourth of July fireworks this weekend, the USO of Illinois is banking on all-American food and spare change to keep attention on the men and women serving in the armed forces.

On July 18, the organization that supports Illinois active duty and retired military members will partner once again with the Chicago Automobile Trade Association to host barbecues that raise money for military services in the state. The USO kicked off the campaign Wednesday in a parking lot across from the United Center with a ceremony, autographs from former Blackhawk Denis Savard and free food.

The smell of barbecue and the laid-back event drew Greg Brown, a 7-year veteran who was visiting from Florida with his wife, sister and small children. Brown said they were just driving by the United Center and wanted to see what was happening.

“It’s a true calling — nothing fancy, nothing indoors,” Brown said of the event that brought out nearly 100 people. “We can hang out and meet some new people and share some stories.”

In the past two summers, USO President and CEO Alison Ruble said more than 80 Chicagoland dealerships raised $125,000. The money goes to the nonprofit’s programs and five facilities in airports and on military bases.

Ruble wants the barbecues to be a “rallying point” to keep the troops at the forefront of people’s minds, especially around the holiday season. Active-duty members in the Marines and U.S. Coast Guard attended Wednesday’s barbecue, presenting the flag, mingling and enjoying the ribs and hamburgers.

“We want to remember the men and women that make those celebrations possible,” Ruble said. “Barbecues are a great way to bring people together.”

Though USO organizers did not specify their fundraising goal, they are relying on car dealerships to come up with creative fundraising ideas.

Daniel Briggs says his Elmhurst Toyota location’s barbecue will have a band that opened for Taylor Swift; Toby Keith raffle tickets; and two hogs roasting. Some dealerships have used dunk tanks to get donations.

During July, the USO encourages people to donate their spare change to nearby car dealerships to support the 330,000 active-duty, Guard and Reserve military and military families in Illinois.

Savard said the event was a “great cause” and an effective reminder that “our women and men [are] in the service for us and keeping us safe at home.”

Michael Lennox, in the U.S. Coast Guard for 15 years, recently returned to the state. He was excited to see the turnout and appreciates the USO of Illinois recognizing the troops with this “home feel.”

“Now that I’m back with my family — finally — it’s good to celebrate. . . . Coming back is an honor on a whole other level for Fourth of July,” Lennox said.