2015 AutoGlow The Future Starts Here Points to Better Days Ahead for All

DETROIT, Jan. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ford Field was aglow with a high-energy celebration on Friday, Jan. 16 when "AutoGlow: The Future Starts Here" raised nearly $220,000 for The Children's Center. Presented by Ford Motor Company, the gala evening also provided for 900 guests a special ending for Charity Preview, Detroit's biggest evening for fundraising.

Debora Matthews, President and CEO of The Children's Center said, "Because of the generosity of our AutoGlow sponsors and supporters, we can continue to help heal the hurt for the growing number of those in need." The Children's Center provides life-changing mental health services to more than 7,500 children and families. "We are proud of our role in positively impacting the future of the community by helping one family at a time," she continued.

AutoGlow was hosted by Lisa and Bill Ford and, for the first time, Jane and Mark Fields of Ford Motor Company. The Ford family has continually supported The Children's Center since its founding more than 85 years ago. Ford Motor Company has served as Presenting Sponsor of AutoGlow in support of The Children's Center for the past 23 years.

This year, several new event features created excitement for AutoGlow guests. The event was extended until 1 a.m. as guests traveled by private coach to and from Cobo Center.  At Ford Field, Levy Restaurants provided an elegant menu of hors d'oeuvres, dinner and decadent desserts. Several menu items featured futurist dining trends, from new ways of preparing and serving food, to those that addressed sustainability and other upcoming food trends. Guests danced to Detroit's Nightline under a lighted ceiling and an interactive video wall while other entertainers provided a glimpse into the future. The award-winning 2015 F150 and the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang GT were on display, highlighting the future of the Ford Motor Company.

New this year was a Late Night opportunity for guests to join the party at 10:30 p.m. following the Charity Preview at Cobo Center. There was also an exclusive onsite AutoGlow Delta Air Lines Raffle featuring two pair of Business Class Elite round-trip tickets from the U.S. to Europe, courtesy of Delta Air Lines. The winning tickets were drawn by Ford Motor Company's Renee Godfrey, Corporate Alliances Manager.

Joining Presenting Sponsor Ford Motor Company in supporting AutoGlow were Platinum Sponsor BASF Corporation and Gold Sponsors DENSO and Harman International. Joining them were In-Kind Travel Sponsor Delta Air Lines, In-Kind Venue Sponsor Ford Field, Exclusive Magazine Sponsor HOUR Magazine, and In-Kind Food & Beverage Sponsor Levy Restaurants.  For a complete list of sponsors, visit www.thechildrenscenter.com/autoglow.

About The Children's Center                                                                                     
For over 85 years, The Children's Center has been empowering Greater Detroit children and families to shape their own futures. Annually, more than 7,500 children and families receive evidence-based therapeutic mental and behavioral health services from The Children's Center to help them overcome emotional and intellectual challenges, trauma from abuse, neglect and poverty. Learn more about The Children's Center and our 20+ inter-related programs at www.thechildrenscenter.com  or call (313) 831-5535.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 180,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit corporate.ford.com.

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SOURCE The Children's Center