2015 Detroit Auto Show: Detroiters Open their Hearts, Raise $5.3 Million for Children's Charities

DETROIT -- Jan. 16, 2015: Detroiters made history tonight by surpassing the $100 million mark in total funds raised for children's charities since the North American International Auto Show's Charity Preview was established in 1976.

Industry and community joined together for the largest single-night fundraiser in North America, raising $5,340,000 for nine children's charities in Southeastern Michigan. NAIAS reported that 13,350 people braved Michigan's cold outdoor temperatures to attend Detroit's premier black-tie gala presented by FirstMerit Bank.

NAIAS Chairman Scott LaRiche said the celebration put a cap on an already amazing week, and is one Detroit will be proud of for years to come.

"Tonight, children and families were the center of the automotive world," said LaRiche. "I am so honored to be part of an industry and a community that pulls together to help others. The fact that Charity Preview was established by a group of Detroit-area auto dealers, and has grown to one of the most high-profile events in the nation, brings great pride to all of us in the dealer community."

Evening proceeds directly benefit a wide range of children's charities. Funds raised will support services for children of all ages from birth to 18. Since 1976, the Charity Preview has raised more than $100 million for southeastern Michigan children's charities - over $50 million of which was raised in the last 10 years alone.

Beneficiaries of the Charity Preview include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit, The Children's Center, Judson Center, and The Detroit Institute for Children, Think Detroit PAL, March of Dimes, Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

At the conclusion of Charity Preview, Steve Miller Band performs from 9-10 pm; meanwhile, from 8:30 pm – 1 am, the Grand Riverview Ballroom will rock with the sounds of "50 Amp Fuse" at the second annual Studio 25 afterglow party.

Tomorrow, Sat., Jan. 17, the show opens to the public at 9 am. Ticket prices and other information are available at NAIAS.com