2008 North American International Auto Show Welcomes 15,000 Guests, Raises $6 Million for Children's Charities

Barenaked Ladies performance added fun, humor and glitz to sell-out black-tie gala

DETROIT, Jan. 21 -- The 2008 North American International Auto Show's (NAIAS) annual black-tie Charity Preview on Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 at Cobo Center welcomed a sell-out crowd of 15,000 guests and raised $6 million for children's charities. Charity Preview also featured an acoustic preview performance by the legendary pop-rock band Barenaked Ladies at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and an hour and 15 minute show at 9 p.m. in Cobo Arena.

"It was a fantastic evening for children and a grand night for Detroit," said Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2008. "The Barenaked Ladies performance was the first of its kind for the NAIAS and we are incredibly pleased with the results. Both performances by the Barenaked Ladies were amazing and we think they really gave our attendees a night to remember at Charity Preview."

Barenaked Ladies -- Ed Robertson, Steven Page, Tyler Stewart, Jim Creeggan, and Kevin Hearn -- a top concert attraction, entertained crowds with top hits, "If I Had A Million Dollars," "Pinch Me," "Brian Wilson," "The Old Apartment," the Billboard Number One Hit, "One Week" and other songs.

Since its inception in 1976, the event has raised $77 million for children's charities in metro Detroit, over $60 million of that in the last 10 years alone. The purchase of a single Charity Preview ticket buys goods, clothing, and health and support services for many local kids.

The NAIAS Charity Preview has welcomed many local, national and worldwide celebrities including Aretha Franklin; R&B Singer Kelis; legendary DJ Funk Master Flex; veteran artists Hall & Oates; Celine Dion; Comedians Steve Harvey and Tommy Davidson; Kevin Bacon; Kid Rock; Jay Leno; Veronica Webb; Tony Danza; Jeff Daniels; The Apprentice star Omarosa; and TV Host Rachel Ray.

Beneficiaries of the 2008 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 Hospital of Michigan; Children's Services of Northeast Guidance Center Assistance League; the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan; The Detroit Institute for Children; Easter Seals - Michigan; March of Dimes; and ThinkDetroit PAL.

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 Web site at www.cfsem.org.

NAIAS 2008 Official Dates

Public Days began on Saturday, Jan. 19 and will continue through Sunday, Jan. 27.

  The North American International Auto Show
  Rod Alberts - Executive Director

Entering its 20th 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 www.naias.com. Don't Miss It for the World!