2007 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview Raises Millions For Children's Charities
 |
DETROIT, Jan. 13 -- As the conclusion to the excitement of Press Days and Industry Preview Days, the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) celebrated the annual black-tie Charity Preview gala on Jan. 12, 2007, raising around $6 million for 11 local children's charities. Along with the excitement of seeing celebrity guests, attendees strolled along the show floor donned in their best formal wear as exhibitors put their best foot forward with jaw-dropping displays.
"Charity Preview is always a special highlight of the NAIAS," said Robert Thibodeau, Jr., senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2007. "We are proud to put on this annual event that raises much needed funds that go to support children's charities. What a better way to spend an evening? Not only is it a chance to get dressed up and preview the exciting exhibits and vehicles on display but to support organizations that help so many children each year."
The NAIAS Charity Preview attracts some of the most notable names in entertainment. This year's celebrity guests included TV Host Rachel Ray; R&B singer Kelis; and legendary DJ Funk Master Flex who mingled among the guests, while veteran artists Hall & Oates entertained the crowd.
Beneficiaries of the Charity Preview include: Barat Child and Family Services; Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan; Boys Hope-Girls Hope of Detroit; The Children's Center; Children's Homes of Judson Center; Children's Services of Northeast Guidance Center Assistance League; The Detroit Institute for Children; ThinkDetroit PAL (Police Athletic League); Easter Seals - Michigan; March of Dimes; and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
Since its inception in 1976, the event has raised nearly $70 million for children's charities in metro Detroit. The sale of each Charity Preview ticket brings so much to local children. The purchase of a single Charity Preview ticket buys goods, clothing and health and support services for many local kids.
Any charity interested in applying for a grant from the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund for next year's Charity Preview should contact the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, 333 West Fort Street, Suite 2010, Detroit, MI 48226-3134, 313-961-6675, or visit the Foundation website at www.cfsem.org.
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 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!
