North American International Auto Show's 2005 Charity Preview Raises $7 Million for 11 Local Children's Charities

DETROIT, Jan. 15 -- The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today announced that the NAIAS 2005 Charity Preview held Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, raised more than $7 million for 11 local children's charities.

Attendees of the annual black-tie fundraiser sipped champagne and got a sneak peak at more than 700 featured vehicles as they celebrated the show's annual kick-off event.

"The North American International Auto Show Charity Preview has become a very proud tradition for the NAIAS and for metro Detroit," said Bill Cook, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2005. "Children are our most valuable asset, and that sentiment is echoed by the overwhelming support we've received from our attendees. The Charity Preview truly captures the spirit of this generous community."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony included Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and top officials from major automakers. Celebrity guests included NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, supermodel Veronica Webb, Kevin Bacon and sibling Michael of the Bacon Brothers rock duo, TV star Tony Danza, former Detroit Piston and current Detroit Shock coach Bill Laimbeer, Detroit Shock stars Swin Cash and Cheryl Ford and Michigan native, actor Jeff Daniels.

Since its inception in 1976, the Charity Preview has raised more than $54 million for children's charities -- more than half of that in the past four years alone. Beneficiaries of the 2005 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; Grafico Industries, Inc.; and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan.

Public Days for NAIAS 2005 are open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, through Jan. 22. On Sunday, Jan. 23, the show is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be no admittance one hour in advance of closing each day.

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 17th 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 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. CLICK4 NAIAS Web site