Clark After Dark festival supports US troops

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The annual Clark After Dark festival is underway in River North at Clark and Hubbard, offering a night of fun in support of U.S. troops.

The USO is the organization offering a friendly face, a cup of coffee and support for military stuff wherever they are -- and tonight it's the focus of a festival.

"When our troops go overseas, we're sending them care packages while we take care of their families back at home. We also are there to give a free ticket to events, major Chicago cultural events, that many military families, it's financially difficult for them to handle," said Alison Ruble, executive director, USO Illinois.

Chicago's Boss Bar set up in this neighborhood in the late 1980s when it wasn't the place to be. This sixth annual Clark After Dark event is halfway to its goal of raising $1 million for the USO.

"It provided my family with opportunity, and our troops are out there fighting hard for us, and the least we can do back at home is fight hard for them," said Shay Ghazimoradi, Chicago Boss Bar.

This summer, Chicago's auto dealers such as McGrath Lexus sponsored USO barbecues where donations were matched dollar for dollar by the Chicago auto dealers trade association. On Thursday night, they'll be donating $90,000 to the cause.

"We've gone through a tough time the last seven or eight years, and it's good for us to just give back to the community, give back to a great organization like the USO," said Mike McGrath, Jr., Chicago Auto Dealers Trade Association.

Chicago-based Marines say their gratitude is reflected across the services

"You know, you always feel like you're welcome everywhere you go, so it makes us feel proud that we have somebody backing us as much as they do," said Sgt. Keith Logue, USMC.