Magna to Host Three Local Charities at the 1998 Detroit Grand Prix
3 June 1998
Magna to Host Three Local Charities at the 1998 Detroit Grand Prix TROY, Mich., June 2 -- Hundreds of families from southeast
Michigan will be part of the action and excitement of the 1998 Detroit Grand
Prix, thanks to Magna International which is donating its suite to
three charities during the June 5-7 race weekend. This is the first time in
the history of the Detroit Grand Prix that a race sponsor has provided such a
program to local charities for the entire race weekend.
Magna will host children and their families from the Make-A-Wish
Foundation of Michigan on Friday, Children's Leukemia Foundation on Saturday,
and Big Brothers/Big Sisters on Sunday at the Magna Suite for Children's
Charities. In addition to tickets for the race, attendees will be treated to
food and beverages all three days, magicians will entertain throughout the
weekend, and race car drivers will meet with the children and their parents to
sign autographs and take pictures.
"This is our way of doing a small part for several important charities in
the metropolitan Detroit area," said Dennis Bausch, executive vice president
of Magna. "We are thrilled to be in a position to give something back to the
community, and we look forward to hosting our guests throughout the weekend."
More than 300 Magna employees from offices throughout the Detroit area and
its corporate office located near Toronto are volunteering to support the
event during the weekend. Magna is very active in charitable work throughout
the world, and has a written commitment in its corporate constitution
committing a percentage of its profit each year to charities. This marks the
first year that Magna has undertaken a program involving local charities and
the Detroit Grand Prix.
"Dealing with life-threatening illness puts a significant strain on a
family's finances, time, and emotions," said Louise Derry, patient services
director of the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. "By sponsoring a
fun filled day at the Detroit Grand Prix, Magna is helping give families a
temporary but much needed 'escape' from the daily pressures of living with
leukemia and related disorders. We truly appreciate Magna's thoughtfulness
and generosity."
For many of the children and their families who will attend the Detroit
Grand Prix as Magna's guests, the event offers an exciting release from "the
daily medical routines," according to Sheila Steger, manager of corporate
relations and special events for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan.
"Just like the wishes provided by our Foundation, any respite from the
day-to-day reality of living with a life-threatening illness is highly
valued," Steger said. "Make-A-Wish of Michigan is extremely grateful for
community support like this, and Magna has our deepest gratitude for the
kindness and compassion they are showing for children in Michigan."
Magna International, one of the most diversified automotive systems
suppliers in the world, designs, develops and manufactures automotive systems,
assemblies and components primarily for sale in North America, Mexico, South
America and Europe. Magna has over 41,000 employees in 146 manufacturing
operations and 27 product development and engineering centers in 16 countries.
