Auction of First 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 to Benefit Karmanos Cancer Institute

DETROIT, March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The first retail production 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the most track-capable Corvette in the brand's history, will be auctioned to benefit the Karmanos Cancer Institute. The Barrett-Jackson auction house will offer the supercar during its Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach, Fla., on April 12.

The auction extends General Motors' long-standing support of the Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country, which last year raised $1 million by auctioning the first 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible at Barrett-Jackson.

This year, Chevrolet is donating the all-new Corvette Z06 in support of Karmanos Cancer Institute's 32nd Annual Dinner. All proceeds from the auction will go to the renovation of the Institute's infusion center, providing a more comfortable and soothing setting for patients to receive chemotherapy treatments.    

GM President Dan Ammann and his wife, Pernilla, chief operating officer of Mother New York, will chair the Annual Dinner on Saturday, April 26, at the Fox Theatre. This is the fourth consecutive year that a member of GM senior leadership has chaired the event. 

The Corvette Z06 has unprecedented levels of aerodynamic downforce, at least 625 horsepower from an all-new supercharged engine, and an all-new, high-performance eight-speed automatic. The LT4 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine features direct injection, Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing. These technologies – combined with the fuel-efficient multi-speed transmission, aerodynamic design and lightweight construction – help make the new Z06 surprisingly fuel efficient.

"Chevrolet's donation of the first 2015 Corvette Z06 produced is yet another way that we are showing our continued support of the Karmanos Cancer Institute," said Dan Ammann. "The funds raised from the auction will help further the exceptional patient care that Karmanos is known for in our community and across the country."

In honor of the Annual Dinner, the General Motors Foundation recently announced a $400,000 grant to support the Institute's cancer research. The grant brought GM and the GM Foundation's support of the Institute to nearly $7.3 million over the last 17 years.

"When it comes to corporate citizenship and philanthropy, General Motors and its employees set the example," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO, Karmanos Cancer Institute. "Their generosity goes a long way toward improving the lives of cancer patients and supporting cancer research. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to GM, the GM Foundation, Chevrolet and Barrett-Jackson for their ongoing commitment to help end this disease."

Those unable to attend the Palm Beach Collector Car Auction may bid online at www.barrett-jackson.com. To register, call 480-421-6694 or email [email protected]. Since this is a charity sale, Barrett-Jackson will waive all buyer and seller fees.

The winning bidder will receive a letter of authenticity, as well as the ability to select the color of his or her 2015 Chevrolet Z06.

To reserve tickets for the 32nd Annual Dinner, please contact Lisa at 313-576-8106 or [email protected] or visit Karmanos' 2013 Annual Dinner to reserve tickets online.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, a subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. 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 4.9 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.

About the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, the Environment and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.

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SOURCE General Motors