North American International Auto Show Accepting Names For 2004 Charity Preview Wait List

    DETROIT, Jan. 29 -- Following the success of its 2003 Charity
Preview gala, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is now
accepting names to be placed on the wait list for next year's traditionally
sold-out event.
    "Without a doubt, the Charity Preview is the most-sought-after ticket in
town," said Chuck Fortinberry, NAIAS 2003 co-chair and senior co-chair of next
year's event.  "Because it's been a sold-out event for many years, people
think it's impossible to get tickets.  That's not necessarily so.  The trick
is for people to get their names on the wait list early; then if and when
tickets become available, the NAIAS will let them know."
    For the 2003 Charity Preview, all 17,500 tickets (priced at $350 each)
were sold, raising $6.125 million for 11 local children's charities.
Champagne-sipping guests were treated to an early look at the show's 700-plus
vehicles the evening before the show opened to the public.  During its 10-day
run, more than 810,000 visitors flocked to the show floor, setting a new NAIAS
public attendance record.
    The annual black-tie fundraiser officially commenced with the national
anthem being sung by 13-year-old Elizabeth Gawecki from Allen Park, Mich.  A
ribbon-cutting ceremony followed, which featured dignitaries including
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and top
officials from major automakers.  Four-star General Paul Kern, Commanding
General, U.S. Army Material Command, also attended.
    In addition to numerous local celebrities who are regularly spotted at the
Charity Preview, guests this year were treated to the sounds of Grammy Award-
winning artist Celine Dion, who performed at the DaimlerChrysler display
stand.  "Entertainment Tonight" host Bob Goen and his crew were also on the
show floor to cover the event for a network telecast.
    Since the inception of the Charity Preview in 1976, the event has raised
more than $45 million for children's charities -- more than half of that in
the past four years alone.  The charities benefiting from the 2003 Charity
Preview are: 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, Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable
Foundation Fund, Detroit Institute for Children, Detroit Police Athletic
League (PAL), Easter Seal Society of Southeastern Michigan, Inc., and March of
Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.
    Persons interested in having their names added to the wait list for the
2004 Charity Preview black-tie fundraising gala should contact the NAIAS at
888-838-7500.

    About the North American International Auto Show
    Celebrating its 15th 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.  This year,
the show hosted more than 60 new vehicle introductions.  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 website can be accessed at http://www.naias.com .