The Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia & Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation’s 2024 Black Tie Tailgate Raises Critical Funds for CHOP’s Department of Nursing and Clinical Care Services

Earlier this month, thousands kicked off the Philadelphia Auto Show at the PA Convention Center and attended the Black Tie Tailgate, held by the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP) and Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation.

To date, the ADAGP and its entities have donated more than $10 million to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). CHOP’s Department of Nursing and Clinical Care Services has been the Black Tie Tailgate beneficiary since 2018 and a total of $2.5 million has been raised through the past five events. Past CHOP beneficiaries include the Center for Autism Research (2011), Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (2012, 2013), Division of Neonatology (2014, 2015), Division of Neurology (2016, 2017) and the Department of Nursing and Clinical Care Services (2018, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024).

“At CHOP, our department has more than 7,000 nurses, respiratory therapists and technicians who are committed to providing expert, compassionate care while advancing education and research,” said Paula Agosto, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at CHOP. “CHOP has one of the most outstanding nursing teams in pediatric medicine and funds raised from the Black Tie Tailgate support the department’s patient, family, community and staff programs and initiatives, allowing our staff to grow in their field. We thank the ADAGP and attendees for their overwhelming assistance of the Department of Nursing and Clinical Care Services, enabling CHOP nurses to thrive in complex situations. Because of the programs they help fund, our team can provide the best possible care to our patients.”

“The Black Tie Tailgate is the biggest and best charity preview gala in the City of Philadelphia,” said Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the ADAGP and Foundation. “It is the ultimate way to kick-off the annual Philadelphia Auto Show and more importantly, a great way to demonstrate the heart of the automotive industry. It’s been a true honor to support the amazing work of the Department of Nursing and Clinical Care Services at CHOP via the last few Black Tie Tailgates. We look forward to continuing our support of CHOP in the many years to come.”  

Watch this 6ABC segment to find out how the funds have impacted CHOP staff, our patients and ongoing research efforts.

Visit the Black Tie Tailgate website to learn more. Visit CHOP’s Nursing and Clinical Care Services Department web site to find out more about the care, services and resources they provide.