Auction of First 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible brings Donations to over $2.2 Million to-date toward Karmanos Cancer Institute's Annual Dinner

DETROIT, April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute's Annual Dinner, April 20, has already raised more than $2.2 million toward its $2.5 million goal, thanks in part to the auction of the first regular retail production 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible, donated by Chevrolet.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20071106/KARMANOSLOGO )

The vehicle went for $1 million at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach, Fla., April 5. The winning bid came from Hendrick Automotive Group Chairman and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, an avid Corvette collector. One hundred percent of the auction's proceeds, in addition to generous gifts from other sponsors, make up the more than $2.2 million raised-to-date. Donations benefit the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit and will support cancer care and a new clinical core lab.  

"This is yet another example of what makes Rick Hendrick a great man, a great friend, and a great competitor," said Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. "Whether battling other race teams on the track or fighting cancer in the research lab, Rick is a guy I'd want on my side."

Chevrolet donated the highly coveted sports car as part of General Motors' support for the Karmanos Cancer Institute and its upcoming 31st Annual Dinner, of which Chevrolet is Host Sponsor. Event Chairs are Mark and Kim Reuss. Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country.

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible offers all of the uncompromising performance of the coupe, including an estimated 450 horsepower and a 0-to-60 acceleration time of four seconds, according to GM. In addition, its all-new, fully electronic top can be lowered remotely and opened or closed at speeds of up to 30 mph.

Barrett-Jackson was established in 1971 and specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world.

"We were honored that Chevrolet selected Barrett-Jackson to make the sale of its first production 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible at our Palm Beach auction," said Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson. "My passion for unique, high-end cars is matched by my enthusiasm to raise money through our auctions for great charities, such as the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. It's evident that Rick Hendrick shares this same enthusiasm and we couldn't be happier that he purchased both the Stingray coupe back at our Scottsdale auction in January, and now the convertible in Palm Beach."

The donation of this collectible vehicle demonstrates GM's outstanding commitment to the Karmanos Cancer Institute. In addition, for the second consecutive year, the GM Foundation has generously donated $400,000 to cancer research, bringing GM and the GM Foundation's total support of Karmanos to nearly $7.4 million over the last 16 years.

"The commitment of GM and the GM Foundation to further the Karmanos Cancer Institute's innovative cancer research and exceptional patient care is nothing short of magnificent," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Karmanos. "From the company's top leadership to its employees and partners, GM's investment to improve life for those diagnosed with cancer and significantly impact our global fight to end this disease is truly outstanding. We are extremely grateful to GM and the GM Foundation, the team at Barrett-Jackson, Mr. Hendrick and all our sponsors and supporters for the incredible generosity, moving us closer to a world without cancer."

The Karmanos Cancer Institute's 31st Annual Dinner is Saturday, April 20, at the General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, 2500 East Grand Blvd., in Detroit. Event Chairs Mark and Kim Reuss will be joined by emcee Ruth Spencer, anchor and consumer reporter for WDIV Local 4.

The elegant evening will feature a cocktail reception; seated dinner; entertainment by DJ Brad Hales and Motown legends The FOUR TOPS; dancing; a raffle of a stunning 18kt. white gold, pave set diamond bangle bracelet from Tapper's Diamond & Fine Jewelry; and brief program. There will also be an exciting live auction featuring unique VIP experience packages. The event benefits the critical work of Karmanos researchers and physicians who are creating the next standard of cancer care that will be used around the world. 

Chevrolet is the Host Sponsor for Karmanos' 2013 Annual Dinner. Other key sponsors include: Executive Sponsors, Compuware Corporation, Lil and Alex Erdeljan, Johnson Controls and Quicken Loans; Entertainment Sponsor, Credit Union ONE; Dinner Sponsors, AVL Americas, Becker Ventures, Crain Communications, The Delphi Foundation, Edw. C. Levy. Co., Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, Kenwal Steel Corporation, Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian, Lear Corporation, Leo Burnett & Digitas, The Delphi Foundation, The Suburban Collection, UAW-GM Center for Human Resources and Worthington Industries; Magazine Sponsor, Hour Detroit and dbusiness; Radio Sponsor, News/Talk 760 WJR; and Television Sponsor, WDIV Local 4.

Tickets for Karmanos' Annual Dinner are $750 per person for Benefactor level, which includes priority seating; and Patron level tickets are $525 per person.

To reserve tickets, please contact Lisa Koltunchik at 313-576-8106 or [email protected].  You may also visit Karmanos' 2013 Annual Dinner to reserve tickets online. Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities for the dinner should contact Maureen Bender at 313-576-8111 or [email protected].  

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $265 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

SOURCE Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute