Every year at their Christmas party, the Chicagoland Carwash Association (CCA) gathers donations to send to the Midwest BBQ for the Brave. Not only do members donate their personal funds, they also reach out to their associates in the car wash industry to request funds from them.
What is the Midwest BBQ and What Do They Do?
This organization raises money to build specially adapted, custom smart homes and structures for catastrophically injured service members. It started as a small backyard barbeque hosted by Jim and Gayla Smith, who still spearhead the effort. Using donations from the CCA, it transitioned into a larger annual event at a beautiful venue where injured veterans speak and share their stories.
Jim Smith is the primary connection between the Midwest BBQ and the CCA. He’s an insurance agent who covers many car washes in the greater Chicago area. He also serves as Director on the CCA board.
Although this year’s barbeque event had to be cancelled, the Smiths were still able to garner significant funds for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Smart Home Program that facilitates the custom builds. Like any other year, the CCA and its members still donated to the cause.
Midwest BBQ Shows Appreciation to Army Vet “Bo” Jones
Those donations, along with help from other generous businesses, helped defray the cost of a new workshop for Army veteran Terence “Bo” Jones. Injured while serving in Afghanistan, Jones uses a wheelchair, and he will use the adapted shop to continue his own work making custom wheelchairs for children and para-athletes.
Jon Sobieski of Spirit of America Car Wash is a Kleen-Rite customer and a member of the CCA. Sobieski donates to Midwest BBQ personally and through his business. He also plays an important role in organizing the CCA’s donation to them.
Kleen-Rite is always happy to play a small part in Jon Sobieski and the CCA’s donation to Midwest BBQ for the Brave. We are proud to call him a customer, and we offer kudos to the CCA for their generosity!
Check out these pages if you’re interested in donating or learning more!