DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund Honored by Downriver Council for the Arts In Annual 'Salute to Excellence'

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 30 -- In recognition of its continuing support for arts and culture in the State of Michigan, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the recipient of the "Salute to Excellence Award" from the Downriver Council for the Arts, a nonprofit arts organization. The award was presented Saturday at the 15th "Salute to Excellence" Awards in Grosse Ile, Mich.

Chrysler Group's Trenton Engine Plant, which produces V-6 engines for Chrysler and Dodge Minivans, has been a catalyst for much of the Fund's support downriver. The Fund, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has sponsored various downriver arts organizations, including a summer fine- arts camp, the Southern Great Lakes Symphony and the Wyandotte Historical Society.

"Corporations have a responsibility to be a good neighbor to their employees, customers and the communities in which they operate," said W. Frank Fountain, President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund and Senior Vice-President, Chrysler Group Government Affairs. "We see it as our duty to make a positive, lasting difference in these communities in addition to producing high-quality cars. The downriver community has supported the Chrysler Group, and we are happy to be able to give something back."

In addition to support in the downriver area, the Fund is active in the arts community throughout the metro Detroit area. Most recently, the Fund was the exclusive sponsor of the exhibitions of Degas, the Splendors of Ancient Egypt, and the works of Van Gogh at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Additionally, the Fund has demonstrated its support of the arts by sponsoring events and activities at the Detroit Opera House, and the Charles Wright Museum of African-American History.

"Chrysler Group's commitment to supporting the arts and humanities in our community is something that other corporations in its position should emulate," said Richard Green, Executive Director, Downriver Council for the Arts. "The Company has distinguished itself as a true patron of the arts as well as a leader in the automotive industry, and we are happy to recognize them for that stewardship." Other 2003 honorees include Gloria Hopkins Dunn, Artist and Co-founder of The Wyandotte Street Art Fair; Gwendolen Funston, Poet, Lecturer and Educator; and the Trenton Rotary Club.

Founded in 1978, the Downriver Council for the Arts is a nonprofit organization that represents, promotes and serves 19 Downriver communities, 65 cultural organizations and provides community outreach to approximately 400,000 residents. The Council collaborates with artists, cultural organizations, city governments, schools, service clubs and social agencies to provide artistic outreach, educational/training opportunities as well as information on artistic, cultural and special events throughout the region.

Now in its 50th year, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the primary source of charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler Corporation. The Fund annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations throughout the United States and increasingly throughout the world.

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