Michigan Charities Salute the North American International Auto Show

First 2004 Charity Preview Ticket Presented to Mayor Kilpatrick

DETROIT, Oct. 7 -- Eleven local charities assembled at Cobo Center today to pay tribute to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and Detroit Auto Dealers Association for continued support through the annual black-tie Charity Preview fundraiser.

Since the auto show became international in 1989, the world-renowned NAIAS Charity Preview has raised more than $44 million for local charities. Last year the event raised a record $6.125 million for local children's charities.

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick accepted an honorary ticket awarded by children representing the charities to the 2004 Charity Preview, scheduled Friday, Jan. 9. Tom Wilson, Palace Sports & Entertainment President and CEO, and Bill Laimbeer, former Detroit Piston and current head coach of the World Champion Detroit Shock, also appeared. They, along with other attendees, were treated to the Pledge of Allegiance, recited by children who have benefited from NAIAS' support.

"Beyond the glitz and glamour of our Charity Preview is the tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children throughout our community," said NAIAS 2004 Senior Co-Chairman Chuck Fortinberry. "We hope to make this year's event one of the most beneficial yet and show that we are one of the world's largest, single-night fundraisers for children's charities."

Tickets for the 2004 Charity Preview are $400, raising the event's fundraising goal to $7 million.

"The economic downturn has been particularly difficult for local charities that depend on contributions from businesses and individuals to continue doing great things for our community," said NAIAS 2004 Co-Chairman Bill Cook. "We want to provide an even bigger boost to these worthwhile organizations and help them make life better for local children and area families."

Beneficiaries of the 2004 Charity Preview include: Barat Child and Family Services; Boys & Girls Clubs 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; Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL); Easter Seal Society of Southeastern Michigan, Inc.; March of Dimes; and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan.

The consistently sold-out event has become the world's largest single- night fundraiser for children's charities, annually hosting 17,500 guests clad in elegant eveningwear. For more information on the 2004 Charity Preview, or to be added to the waiting list for tickets, call (888) 838-7500.

NAIAS 2004 Official Dates

Cobo Center in Detroit will host the NAIAS 2004 starting on Sunday, Jan. 4 with the first of three official Press Days that run through Tuesday, Jan. 6. NAIAS Industry Preview Days will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7 and Thursday, Jan. 8. The Charity Preview will be Friday evening, Jan. 9. The 2004 show will open to the public on Saturday, Jan. 10, and run through Monday, Jan. 19, 2004 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).

About the North American International Auto Show

In January 2003, Detroit concluded its 87th Auto Show, representing the 15th consecutive year as the expanded North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Now entering its 16th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is considered 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 the 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 .