2003 AutoGlow! Gala to Benefit The Children's Center

DETROIT, Oct. 17, 2002; It's not too early to begin thinking about an elegant evening at 2003 AutoGlow!, presented by Merrill Lynch. The gala will benefit The Children's Center and take place Friday, January 10, in the Atrium at Ford Field in downtown Detroit at 8 p.m.

This marks the 11th year for the premier black-tie benefit, which coincides with the North American International Auto Show Charity Preview at Cobo Center.

AutoGlow! guests will spend a delightful evening inside Detroit's newest venue, Ford Field. Patrons will be treated to an array of fabulous food, combined with the sounds of Mel Ball & Colours. AutoGlow! sponsorship levels vary from $4,250-$50,000 and individual tickets for the event are $200 per person. Guests choosing AutoGlow! as their auto show afterglow will receive complimentary valet parking at Ford Field and luxury shuttle service to and from Cobo Hall, which will begin at 5:30 p.m.

AutoGlow! Co-Chairs are Patricia and Daniel Frank, and Honorary Co-Chairs are Lisa and William Clay Ford, Jr., and Carmen Harlan and her husband, Andrew G. Henry Jr.

"We are so excited to host this year's 2003 AutoGlow! at the new Ford Field," said Lisa Ford. "We know the evening will be an unforgettable party for all who attend, but most of all we want to help The Children's Center raise money for its many programs. Since I've been involved with The Children's Center, I've seen so many children improve their lives because of the continuous intervention and efforts of The Children's Center. The money raised at AutoGlow! will help the agency continue its wonderful work."

"With the tremendous support from the many corporations and people who donate to The Children's Center, we are able to help so many local children and their families find effective solutions to problems through the many services we offer," said Doug Ferrick, director of development at The Children's Center, located at 79 W. Alexandrine in downtown Detroit. "We are so grateful for all of the support we receive from companies such as Merrill Lynch, Ford Motor Company, DURA Automotive Systems, Inc. and all of those who give during fundraisers such as AutoGlow! We couldn't do it without their help."

This year marks the first for Merrill Lynch as title sponsor for AutoGlow! The sponsorship came as a result of a Merrill Lynch fundraising event held this past July, which raised more than $50,000 for the benefit of The Children's Center.

Returning as an AutoGlow! Diamond Sponsor for the second consecutive year is Ford Motor Company Fund, and joining new this year, also as a Diamond Sponsor, is DURA Automotive Systems Inc.

Ford Motor Company Fund is the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, and supports non-profit organizations in three priority areas -- education, community development and environment. Ford Fund continues to be committed to providing and enhancing opportunities to the people who live and work in the communities where Ford Motor Company does business. Ford Motor Company will officially observe its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003. For more information visit www.ford.com .

DURA Automotive Systems Inc., a development partner for complete automotive systems and modules with more than 20,000 employees in 14 countries, provides technology solutions for the world's leading automotive and recreation vehicle manufacturers with products including driver & seating control systems, and body & glass systems.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to order tickets, please call Janet Serba at 313-831-5535, ext. 1251.

Established in 1929 by U.S. Senator James Couzens as one of the nation's first child-guidance clinics, The Children's Center has grown to be one of the largest, most diverse child-serving agencies in Michigan while addressing the needs of 7,000 children and families annually through 28 inter-related programs.