This year’s First Look for Charity gala, set for February 7th is not just an event; it’s an experience that combines the thrill of the Chicago Auto Show with the heartwarming spirit of giving. This one-day fundraiser is produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), the organization that represents local new-car dealers and will be held at McCormick Place from 7 to 11 pm. the evening before the auto show opens. The gala has become a beacon of benevolence, raising nearly $3 million annually for 18 local nonprofits.
A Night of Elegance
Imagine an evening where you’re treated to champagne, fine wines, and elegant hors d’oeuvres, all while being the first to explore the latest automotive marvels. This is the allure of First Look for Charity, an event eagerly anticipated by socialites and car enthusiasts alike.
The beauty of this event lies in its flexibility. You can direct the proceeds of your ticket purchase to any or all of the 18 charitable organizations, and a portion of each ticket is tax-deductible. For those looking to make an even bigger impact, corporate giving packages are available.
The 2025 First Look for Charity beneficiaries include: 100 Club of Illinois; Advocate Health Care; ALS United Greater Chicago; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Cal’s Angels Pediatric Cancer Foundation; Folds of Honor; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Glenwood Academy; Habitat for Humanity; Jesse White Tumbling Team; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; Misericordia; Sertoma Star Services; Special Olympics Illinois; Susan G. Komen, Chicago; Turning Pointe Autism Foundation; and Violet Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer.
Gourmet Food & Drinks
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. With over 20 local restaurants providing complimentary fine food and beverages, and live entertainment at various manufacturer displays across the show floor, there’s something for everyone. Over the past 30 years, First Look for Charity has raised more than $63 million for local charities, making it one of Chicago’s largest single-day charitable events.
Guests will be transported through an evening of opulence as they peruse the show floor, sampling popular menu items from Chicago’s top restaurants and catering companies. Various beverage brands will offer signature cocktails, craft beers, and a selection of wines, ensuring that every palate is satisfied.
Participating restaurant and beverage sponsors include, but are not limited to, Norman’s Bistro, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Biteable Baked Goods, Bumbu Rum, Carnivale, Catered by Design, ERIS Ciderhouse & Brewery, Goose Island Beer Company, Michael’s Grill and Salad Bar, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Smoke Daddy, Tres Agaves Tequila, Trinchero Family Estates Wines, Tuco & Blondie, along with McCormick Place’s in-house caterer, OVG360.
Vehicle Giveaway
One of the highlights of the evening is the vehicle giveaway. Over the years, lucky winners have driven off with the keys to more than 50 vehicles. This year’s attendees also have the chance to win a brand-new vehicle, with this year’s prizes being a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV and a 2025 Hyundai Palisade. Any attendee who has purchased a ticket is eligible to win, but the winner must be present at the time of the drawing.
First Look for Charity serves as the exclusive preview of the nation’s largest auto show, featuring hundreds of new vehicles, some on display for the first time anywhere. It’s an evening where elegance meets generosity, and where every guest can feel good knowing they’re making a difference in their community.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night of luxury, entertainment, and philanthropy. Stay in touch to learn about new sponsors and what each will be serving the night of the event. This is one night you won’t want to miss!
Tickets to the event are $325 each and can be purchased at FirstLookforCharity.org. Benefactors can indicate which charity or charities they want their donation to benefit. They may also choose to split the donation evenly among the 18. Of each ticket, $269 is tax-deductible as a charitable donation. For more information, please visit FirstLookforCharity.org. For details about the CATA’s Chicagoland Dealers Care program, visit ChicagolandDealersCare.com.
