Chrysler 300C Lead Designer Honored at 10th Annual N'Digo Foundation Gala

* Ralph Gilles, lead designer of the award-winning Chrysler 300C, receives N'Design Award, celebrating the universal consumer and critical appeal of Motor Trends' 2005 Car of the Year.

CHICAGO, June 28 -- Ralph Gilles, lead designer and head of DaimlerChrysler's Studio 3 Design Group, received the "N'Design" award for artistry as part of the 10th Annual N'Digo Foundation Gala. In a year where the Chrysler 300C has captured the majority of the automotive industry's leading awards -- more than 30 overall, Gilles was among a dozen renowned humanitarians, musicians, business and civic leaders honored at Chicago's Millennium Park on June 19.

In selecting Gilles, the foundation singled out his unparalleled success in drawing the ethnic consumer to the Chrysler product with a laser-like focus on design elements and luxury features.

"In creating the coolest new car in America, Mr. Gilles has literally transcended the automotive marketplace. The luxurious design, youthful appeal and attractive price point have sparked the broad cultural appeal of the 300C," said Hermene D. Hartman, president and founder of the N'Digo Foundation. "With this award, we celebrate his passion, his work as an artist and the many hot car designs from his DaimlerChrysler team that await us."

  The N'Digo Foundation presented its 2005 awards to:

  Muhammad Ali:  Lifetime Achievement Award
  Samuel Akainyah:  N'Art Award
  Barbara Bates:  N'Fashion Award
  Abena Joan Brown:  N'Theatre Award
  Oscar Brown, Jr.:  N'Music Award
  Ralph Gilles:  N'Design Award
  John Hooker:  N'Corporate Award
  Eileen Mackevich:  N'Humanitarian Award
  Johnathan Rodgers:  N'Communication Award
  Bishop Horace E. Smith:  N'Faith Award
  Michael Scott:  N'Education Award

"It was thrilling and humbling to stand alongside honorees that have made such an impressive contribution to our national culture," said Gilles.

Illinois Sen. Barack O'Bama and his wife Michelle served as co- chairpersons of the Gala. The N'Digo Foundation was founded in 1995 to provide scholarships to deserving high school and college students. The Foundation was founded by Hermene D. Hartman. Ms. Hartman presented 33 merit- based scholarships at the event to undergraduate and post-graduate students pursuing degrees in business, journalism, medicine, design, and architecture, among other fields.