Toyota Serves as Silver Sponsor of Green Tie Ball XX

CHICAGO, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota, the world's largest automaker, will be a major sponsor of the Green Tie Ball XX this Saturday, September 17, in Chicago.

The Green Tie Ball is Chicago Gateway Green's key fundraising event and this year will be celebrating the gala's 20th anniversary with a fitting theme of "A Return to Emerald City." Originating in 1992 as a 500-person street party, the Green Tie Ball is now one of the best-known charity events in the Windy City, attended historically by nearly 4,000 people.

This year marks Toyota's second year of involvement in the Green Tie Ball gala.  The automaker is listed as a Silver sponsor for this weekend's event.

"We consider it a privilege to be supporting Chicago Gateway Green and its annual Green Tie Ball," said Kevin Fletcher, General Manager of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.'s Chicago Region. "At Toyota, protection and preservation of the environment remains one of our key societal responsibilities, as evidenced by our myriad of hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles.  We are glad to be doing our part in the greater Chicago area."

About Chicago Gateway Green

Founded in 1986 by the late Donald J. DePorter, Chicago Gateway Green, a 501 (c) (3) not for profit, is dedicated to greening and beautifying the expressways, gateways and neighborhoods in Chicago. Chicago Gateway Green's work is visible and its plantings improve the environment and quality of life for millions of residents and visitors.  For more information, visit www.gatewaygreen.org.

About Toyota

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion.  Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than 1.76 million vehicles in 2010. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com, www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.

SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales