Recent News

"While Continental Motors Group supports many local charities, it's an incredible feeling to also be able to lend support to people across the globe with Plant with Purpose," said Continental Toyota Dealer Principal Cheryl Nelson. "Last summer, we actually turned the entire showroom over to support Plant with Purpose with a campaign that lasted throughout the month of July. For every purchase made in July, whether it was a car or a tire, Continental Toyota pledged to donate $1 to Plant with Purpose. The customers loved it too and they felt as though they were helping to make an impact."

 

Plant with Purpose has a very specific, effective process for helping poverty-stricken rural families in third-world countries. Dave Mahar, Plant with Purpose regional representative, explained the three-step approach.

 

"First and foremost, we help families by restoring the environment where these people reside. We not only assist with the process, but we give inhabitants the tools they need to succeed - even after we've departed. Ninety-three percent of farming families with whom we work are able to bring their crops to market to bring in revenue. Secondly, there's an economic focus. We request that each family financially contributes an equal amount to a community fund that's only to be used for natural disasters. Should an unexpected weather event occur, such as a hurricane or earthquake, the families can pull resources from this emergency fund to assist with restoration of the land. Finally, we work with families to restore faith and enhance and strengthen relationships within the family unit."

 

"There's a huge difference in method in that we don't just put a Band-Aid on something; Plant with Purpose is grounded in strategy to build a sustainable system for success," Mahar continued. "We're so thankful for the support of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and Continental Toyota to help us with our mission."  

 

Plant with Purpose estimated they've helped approximately 30,000 families in locations across the globe such as Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Tanzania and Thailand. The organization's next target is Ethiopia.

 

"The CATA applauds Continental Toyota for its support of Plant with Purpose, among other charities," said CATA Chairman Ray Scarpelli Jr. "This is a perfect example of the vital role that dealers play to help those in need - not only within local communities, but people across the globe as well." 

 

The CATA created the Chicagoland Dealers Care program in 2008 to build upon the charitable efforts of CATA's dealer members. The CATA has been a longtime supporter of local non-profit organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the Chicagoland Dealers Care program has donated nearly $100,000 to local charitable organizations supported by new-car dealers. Additionally, since 1992, the association has raised nearly $48 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.