Connecticut auto dealers are stepping up for the second year to help raise donations for Connecticut’s military members and their families.
The second annual Cookout for the Troops, presented by the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association (CARA), FOX61 Expect More Hope and Full Power Radio Group (including Radio 104.1 & 102.9 The Whale) and proudly supported by Wayback Burgers, will be held on Saturday, July 21st 2018 at participating auto dealers across the state.
Help give back to the thousands from Connecticut, stationed here at home and around the globe, who serve in the military to protect us!
Stop by your local dealer and donate to benefit the Connecticut National Guard Foundation and the USO Connecticut‘s military programs and services.
Dealers will be also be serving up free food and beverages, and offer special savings on vehicles and services all day long to support these organizations! (Click to visit participating dealers’ websites below for individual dealership event details and specials).
Your small donation goes a long way!
In 2017, the first statewide CARA Cookout for the Troops raised over $35,000 for our local military organizations, which was used for:
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- USO Connecticut: Homecoming support for over 1,500 deployed submariners returning to Groton last year, which included food, refreshments and entertainment for the waiting family members.
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- USO Connecticut: “What to Expect” baby shower for 80 military and spouse moms-to-be at the Groton Submarine Base this spring.
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- Connecticut National Guard Foundation: Helping to fund the Connecticut National Guard Foundation’s scholarship program that awarded 11K to soldiers, airmen and families pursuing higher education.
- Connecticut National Guard Foundation: Provided social events for families during the holidays while their loved one was overseas, including Connecticut National Guard Foundation’s Operation E.L.F (Embracing Lonely Families) Christmas Party that provides the children of those service members the chance to meet Santa and receive a holiday gift (See photos from the 2017 party below).
Out of state on July 21st, but would still like to support?
* A 501(c)(3) Foundation run by CARA awarding grants to nonprofit organizations which are based in Connecticut and which serve community needs primarily in the areas of education, culture, the arts, the needy and the homeless through sponsorship of special programs and projects which enhance the quality of life in our state.
Locate your town and participating 2018 dealership below:
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Berlin, CT
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Enfield, CT
Lia Honda Enfield
20 Palomba Dr, Enfield, CT 06082
Facebook event page
Lia Hyundai Enfield
40 Palomba Dr, Enfield, CT 06082
Facebook event page
Lia Nissan Enfield
10 Palomba Dr, Enfield CT 06082
Facebook event page
Lia Volkswagen Enfield
140 Elm St, Enfield CT 06082
Facebook event page
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Lyme, CT
Reynolds Subaru
268 Hamburg Rd, Lyme, CT 06371
Facebook event page
Reynolds Boats
264 Hamburg Rd, Lyme, CT 06371
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Madison, CT
Hammonasset Ford
191 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443
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Manchester, CT
Lynch Toyota
179-235 Tolland Tpke, Manchester, CT 06042
Manchester Honda
24 Adams St, Manchester, CT 06042
Schaller Acura
345 Center St, Manchester CT 06040
Facebook event page
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Middletown, CT
Jackson Chevrolet
660 S Main St, Middletown, CT 06457
Middletown Toyota
634 Newfield St, Middletown, CT 06457
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Mystic, CT
Valenti Family of Dealerships
72 Jerry Browne Rd, Mystic CT 06355
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New Britain, CT
Gallagher Buick GMC
325 Columbus Blvd, New Britain, CT 06051
Schaller Honda
1 Veterans Dr, New Britain, CT 06051
Schaller Mitsubishi
25 Veterans Dr, New Britain, CT 06051
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North Franklin, CT
Holmgren Subaru
3 New Park Avenue, North Franklin, CT 06254
Facebook event page
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Norwich, CT
Scranton Chevrolet of Norwich
774 W Thames St, Norwich, CT 06360
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Old Saybrook, CT
Volkswagen of Old Saybrook
319 Middlesex Turnpike, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
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Pawcatuck, CT
Stateline Motors
106 W Broad St, Pawcatuck, CT 06379
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Plainfield, CT
Central Auto Group
98 Lathrop Rd, Plainfield, CT 06374
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Plainville, CT
Crowley Ford
225 New Britain Ave, Plainville, CT 06062
Crowley Volkswagen
245 New Britain Ave, Plainville, CT 06062
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Vernon, CT
Carter Chevrolet
175 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066
Scranton Cadillac Buick GMC
777 Talcottville Rd, Vernon, CT 06066
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About the USO:
The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort, and support. The USO is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
About the Connecticut National Guard Foundation:
The Connecticut National Guard Foundation Inc. was established in April of 2003 to provide temporary family assistance and support for members of the Organized Military and the National Guard of Connecticut consistent with its exclusive charitable and educational purposes. Our general operation funds are primarily raised through charitable contributions. Our primary fundraising campaign is conducted during the months of July thru October. In additions to the primary fundraising campaign, the Connecticut National Guard Foundation Inc. (CTNGFI) is affiliated with Local Independent Charities of America and participates in workplace giving campaigns thought them. Most notability the Combined Federal Campaign and the Connecticut Employees Campaign for charitable giving. As of July of 2018 the CTNGFI has provided over $1.6 million dollars of finical aide to its constituents since its inception. Of that, approximately $810k was in the form of individual assistance. We have also awarded over $243k in post-secondary educational scholarships. Along with individual assistance and post-secondary scholarships, the CTNGFI supports two major holiday events for the family members of Service Members in the deployment cycle. Our largest being Operation E.L.F (Embracing Lonely Families) Christmas party that provides the children of those service members the chance to meet Santa and receive a holiday gift, all while sharing the holiday with other families in the same situation. Assistance from donations from individuals like you comes in many forms. Providing emergency relief with food and clothing, or housing, and even medical expenses are just a few of the reasons the CTNGFI delivers assistance. A donation as small as ten dollars can provide a Christmas gift to a child whose parents may not have the ability to do so. We, the Connecticut National Guard Foundation Inc. and our constituents, are grateful for your donations and we thank you for your support.
