New 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth to be Showcased at the East Side House Settlement Gala Preview of the 2012 New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 5, 2012, The FIAT Brand will host the 13th Annual East Side House Settlement Gala Preview of the 2012 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) at the Jacob K. Javits Center.  FIAT will offer guests a private preview of the entire New York International Auto Show before it officially opens to the public. 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 and Mariana Zois. More than 1,300 leaders from the finance, fashion, arts, sports, and society spheres will attend this high-octane 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 Gala Preview includes cocktails, a private dinner for benefactors and a specially curated display of newly introduced 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth performance cars. The evening's dramatic pinnacle is the arrival of the Fiat 500 Abarth, which will be driven in by the Head of FIAT Brand North America, Tim Kuniskis. This will mark the start of an exciting live auction of the "small but wicked" car, as potential buyers vie for the opportunity to own one of the world's most unique and innovative vehicles. In conjunction with the Italian theme of the evening, Indagare.com, a member-based luxury travel agency and website, will be auctioning off a "Best of Italy" trip of a lifetime to one lucky bidder.

The Fiat 500 Abarth is more than just the racing-inspired version of the Fiat 500. FIAT has amped up the power, torque, speed and transmission of this vehicle.  FIAT's spirit, "Life is best when driven," comes across loud in clear through the Abarth's sleek, Italian design and high-mounted performance seats (for a superb view of the open road.) 

"We are thrilled to partner with FIAT for the Gala Preview, which is a critical source of private funding for East Side House Settlement.  These essential proceeds go towards benefitting the motivated students we serve and help us continue efforts to create long-lasting opportunities for the communities of the South Bronx and beyond, with a focus on education and technology training as gateways out of poverty," said John Sanchez, Executive Director, East Side House Settlement.

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 event is a celebration of our 13-year partnership with East Side House," said Mark Schienberg,  President, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association. "As a representative of the retail Auto industry, I can say how vital it is to continue our efforts toward helping young people attain their goals through education and employment."

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 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth
Building on the excitement of the new 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), the new Fiat 500 Abarth is designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving purists who want the ultimate high-performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic. With its all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design and technology features not traditionally included on a small car, the new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth unleashes the brand's legendary performance heritage to American streets.  The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $22,000 (not including $700 destination).

SOURCE New York International Auto Show