First 2015 Corvette Z06 Goes for $1 Million at Auction

DETROIT, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The auction of the first regular retail production 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has helped raise more than $2.5 million for the upcoming Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute 32^nd Annual Dinner, which will be held April 26 in Detroit.

Donated by Chevrolet, the supercar went for $1 million at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Palm Beach, Fla. on April 12. The winning bid came from Hendrick Automotive Group Chairman and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, an avid Corvette collector and preservationist.

Proceeds from the auction will assist with the renovation of the Karmanos Cancer Institute's infusion center, providing a more comfortable and soothing setting for patients to receive chemotherapy treatments. 

"We thank Rick Hendrick for his ongoing, generous support that will help Karmanos Cancer Institute provide better care and treatment for cancer patients," said General Motors President Dan Ammann. "We are humbled by all those who are supporting the Annual Dinner and who are giving generously to help us exceed last year's fundraising total of $2.5 million."

Ammann and his wife, Pernilla, chief operating officer of Mother New York, will chair the 2014 Annual Dinner, hosted by Cadillac, at Detroit's Fox Theatre. This is the fourth consecutive year that a member of GM senior leadership has chaired the event. 

Chevrolet's donation of the 2015 Z06 demonstrates the brand's outstanding commitment to the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Last year, Chevrolet raised $1 million through the auction of the first 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible that was also purchased by Hendrick. In addition, GM and the GM Foundation's support of Karmanos totals nearly $7.3 million over the last 17 years.

"The remarkable support from our chairs, Pernilla and Dan Ammann, GM, the GM Foundation, Host Sponsor Cadillac and Chevrolet is unprecedented," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Karmanos. "We are also extremely grateful to Barrett-Jackson, Rick Hendrick and all of our sponsors for making this a tremendous year in the fight against cancer. We will continue the fundraising momentum behind the Annual Dinner to assure that our cancer patients have the best possible chance of beating their disease." 

The 1920s-inspired black tie event will feature a strolling cocktail reception, entertainment provided by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, a seated dinner and live auction. To reserve tickets, please contact Lisa at 313-576-8106, [email protected], or visit the Karmanos 2014 Annual Dinner website 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 General Motors Co.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.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.

SOURCE General Motors