East Side House Settlement Gala, SRT And Jeep® Offer Preview Of The 2014 New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 17, 2014, Chrysler Group LLC's SRT (Street and Racing Technology) and Jeep_® brands will host the 15^th Annual East Side House Settlement Gala Preview of the 2014 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) at the Jacob K. Javits Center.  At this high-octane event, SRT and Jeep will offer guests a private preview of the entire auto show before it officially opens to the public. More than 1,300 leaders from the worlds of finance, fashion, society, and philanthropy will attend this important evening to benefit East Side House Settlement, a leading social services agency that serves children and families in the South Bronx and surrounding communities. The event is chaired by Philip L. Yang, Joan P. Young, Chris LaSusa, and Elia Zois, and the benefit committee is chaired by Fe Fendi, Morgan Shara and Mariana Zois.

The Gala Preview includes cocktails, a private dinner for benefactors and a specially curated display of newly introduced SRT and Jeep vehicles. The evening's highlight is the exciting live auction of a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, where potential buyers will vie for the opportunity to own the iconic SUV. Other luxury packages for auction include an exclusive Mille Miglia Zagato Chronograph limited edition watch and Monticello Motor Club Experience from Chopard. What's more, Camp Jeep® New York —an outdoor, rugged terrain space in which passengers experience Jeep's off-roading capabilities—will be erected adjacent to the event. Trained specialists will chauffeur event guests in an assortment of Jeep vehicles, providing a thrill complete with the climb of an 18-foot high, 35-degree Jeep Mountain, the apex of the experience. To add to the night's festivities, music will be provided by DJ David Chang and specialty cocktails and tasting stations will be available from WhistlePig, makers of craft rye whiskey.

"It's such a pleasure to partner with the SRT and Jeep brands for the third-year running, especially as the Gala Preview event celebrates its 15^th year," said John Sanchez, executive director of East Side House Settlement. To recognize the commitment of this iconic brand as a critical source of private funding for East Side House Settlement, a special scholarship in Chrysler Group's name will be awarded to a deserving student at the end of this school year.  This important scholarship will help turn one student's pursuit of a higher education and a better life into reality. A formal announcement and presentation of the Chrysler Group scholarship will take place during the Gala Preview. "By creating this scholarship, we thank SRT and Jeep for their support of our efforts to serve students, with a focus on education and technology training as gateways out of poverty," added Sanchez.

Proceeds from the Gala will support East Side House Settlement's highly successful college preparation programs, which are crucial in promoting education and employment for the residents of the South Bronx and surrounding communities. A staff of approximately 300 full and part-time teachers, social workers and other experts serve approximately 8,000 residents in 17 different locations annually. The event is made possible through the generosity of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association and the New York International Auto Show, as part of a proud tradition of dedicated community service.

"This milestone year commemorates our 15-year partnership with East Side House," said Mark Schienberg, President, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association. "On behalf of the automobile retailers of greater New York, we wholeheartedly support the staff at East Side House and the important help they give to young people to attain their goals. We also salute the past and present sponsors whose support over the past 15 years has helped raise over $4.5 million for East Side House." Previous sponsors include Fiat, Lotus, Aston Martin, Porsche, Lamborghini, Lexus, Bentley, and Maserati.

About East Side House Settlement: East Side House Settlement is a leading social service agency that serves the South Bronx and surrounding communities. The focus of East Side House Settlement is education and technology training as gateways out of poverty.  Programs include early childhood, after-school programs, Mott Haven Village Preparatory High School, Bronx Haven High School, adult education, computer technology programs and family services. For more information please visit www.eastsidehouse.org.

About the New York International Auto Show
Ushering in the latest automotive trends, the 2014 New York International Auto Show will unveil an expansive collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation. More than four floors of displays, including the all-new Javits North, from the world's automakers will feature the newest vehicles and futuristic concept cars.  Nearly 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display. NYIAS is owned and produced by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.

About the SRT Brand
The Chrysler Group's SRT brand uses a successful product development formula featuring five proven hallmarks: awe-inspiring powertrains; outstanding ride, handling and capability; benchmark braking; aggressive and functional exteriors and race-inspired and high-performance interiors; to remain true to its performance roots.

The 2014 SRT lineup features five vehicles that are world-class performance contenders and bring the latest in safety technologies and creature comforts. The Chrysler 300 SRT, Dodge Challenger SRT, Dodge Charger SRT and Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT join the flagship SRT Viper, which made its highly anticipated return to the high-performance sports car market in 2013.

About the Global Jeep Brand
Jeep is Chrysler Group's truly global brand, representing three-quarters of all Company sales outside of North America.

Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Patriot and Liberty (Cherokee outside North America). To meet consumer demand around the world, all models are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. With this portfolio, Jeep brand's global sales have increased more than 100 percent since 2009 – including a 160-percent increase in international markets.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is the Company's top-selling model and was introduced internationally in 1992. Since that year, the Jeep brand has sold nearly 5 million Grand Cherokee vehicles – more than 600,000 from markets outside North America.

About Chopard
Louis-Ulysse Chopard founded his own workshop in 1860 in Sonvillier, the Swiss Jura. Since 1963 Chopard is owned by the Scheufele family and its headquarters are located in Geneva. Internationally renowned for its watch and jewelry creations, the Group today employs 1950 people worldwide. It is independent and vertically very integrated, controlling the entire process from design to distribution through 1500 points of sale and 140 dedicated boutiques. Over 30 different crafts are practised in three manufacturing sites with a strong emphasis on in-house training. Chopard has built its reputation on iconic collections such as Happy Diamonds, Happy Sport and Mille Miglia. The firm is also highly recognized for its High Jewellery creations and fine watchmaking and manufacture expertise, expressed in the L.U.C collection. According to two of its fundamental values, respect and social responsibility, Chopard is strongly committed to various philanthropic organizations. Long-term partnerships tie the company to the the José Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Last but not least, Chopard is a faithful partner of the Cannes International Film Festival and legendary classic car events, such as the Mille Miglia in Italy and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. For more information, please visit http://us.chopard.com/.

SOURCE New York International Auto Show