2007 North American International Auto Show Encourages Charity Preview Attendees To Plan Ahead for Parking
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DETROIT, Jan. 11 -- The 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is recommending that those attending the black-tie Charity Preview gala on Friday, Jan. 12, 2007 arrive early if they don't have pre-arranged parking. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin promptly at 5:15 p.m. The show floor will open at 6 p.m. to Charity Preview ticket holders.
"Our goal is to ensure that attendees have the best information possible when traveling to this world-class fundraiser that benefits many children of Detroit. We want to make sure that those who are attending understand that they need to get downtown early," said NAIAS senior co-chairman Robert Thibodeau, Jr. "Attendees will be able to mingle with metro Detroit's VIPs as well as surprise celebrity guests such as Hall & Oates and Rachel Ray."
The Millennium Garage, on Congress between First and Second streets is available for individuals self-parking for the event. Drivers dropping guests off at Cobo Center must be properly credentialed with placards. Drivers in need of placards are encouraged to call (248) 283-5161 ahead of time to make a request. Placards can be picked up in person at the Cobo Center security office after request is processed. General access to Cobo Center parking will be closed to non-credentialed vehicles beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12.
Each year, the Charity Preview and the NAIAS host many local, national and worldwide celebrities. In the past, celebrities like Ashanti, Aretha Franklin, Steve Harvey, Kevin Bacon, Kid Rock, Celine Dion, Jay Leno, Veronica Webb, Tony Danza, and Jeff Daniels have attended the NAIAS. This will be another star-studded event with the attendance of Hall & Oates and Rachel Ray. All of the action and other highlights from Charity Preview can be viewed on WDIV Local 4 on Friday, Jan. 12.
Beneficiaries of the 2007 Charity Preview include: Barat Child and Family Services; Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan; Boys Hope Girls Hope Detroit; The Children's Center; Judson Center; Children's Services of Northeast Guidance Center Assistance League; The Detroit Institute for Children; Think Detroit PAL (Police Athletic League); March of Dimes; and DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
NAIAS 2007 will be open to the public from Saturday, Jan. 13, through Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007 from 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 21, from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Admittance ends one hour prior to show closing.
100th Anniversary
In 2007, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) will celebrate the centennial of its successful association with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Since its inception in 1907, the show has grown from a regional event featuring 17 exhibitors to an internationally-sanctioned show with over 90 exhibitors, adding more than $500 million to the metro Detroit region last year alone. With the support of Detroit area auto dealers the NAIAS features more new vehicle debuts and garners more media coverage than any show in North America.
NAIAS 2007 Official Dates
The Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 12, 2007. Public Days are Saturday, Jan. 13, through Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007.
The North American International Auto Show Rod Alberts - Executive Director
Entering its 19th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world and is one of the largest media events in North America. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris- based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at http://www.naias.com/. The drive, design and desire for cars is here in Detroit!
