First 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible Auctioned April 5 to Benefit Karmanos Cancer Institute

DETROIT, March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The first 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible offered for sale will be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson April 5 in Palm Beach, Fla., to support cancer research and treatment.

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

Chevrolet is donating the highly coveted sports car as part of General Motors' support for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and its 31st Annual Dinner. Every penny of the sale proceeds will benefit the Karmanos Cancer Institute – one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country.

The auction is part of Barrett-Jackson's 10th annual Collector Car Auction, held at the South Florida Fairgrounds in Palm Beach. Those unable to attend can bid by visiting www.barrett-jackson.com. The winning bidder will receive a letter of authenticity, as well as the ability to select the color.

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.

"When we asked ourselves how best to assist the Karmanos Cancer Institute in its valiant fight against this horrible disease, the first Corvette Stingray Convertible off the line for sale was an obvious choice," said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. "It's the best we have to offer, and it should prove to be an immensely desirable and highly collectible car."

The donation demonstrates GM's outstanding commitment to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. This is the second year GM has offered one of its collector vehicles to be auctioned to benefit Karmanos. 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 $6.4 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 in our community and significantly impact our global fight to end this disease is truly outstanding. We are extremely grateful to GM and the GM Foundation, and our many sponsors and supporters who continue to imagine and help us work toward 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. Reuss and his wife Kim are chairing this year's gala. Emcee for the gala is Ruth Spencer, anchor and consumer reporter for WDIV Local 4.

The elegant event will feature a cocktail reception; seated dinner; entertainment by DJ Brad Hales and Motown legends The FOUR TOPS; dancing; a raffle and brief program. There will also be an exciting live auction featuring unique VIP experience packages.

Chevrolet is the Host Sponsor for this year's event. 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 the Annual Dinner are $750 per person for benefactor level, which includes priority seating and recognition in the program book. Patron level tickets are $525 per person and includes recognition in the program book.

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]. For information on the Barrett-Jackson auction visit www.barrett-jackson.com. 

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 Karmanos Cancer Institute