The 2011 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview Exceeds 10,000 Ticket Goal - $2.6 Million Raised for Local Children's Charities

DETROIT, Jan. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2011 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview black tie gala continues to be one of the top single-night fundraising events in the nation as nearly 10,500 guests helped raise $2.6 million for local children's charities.

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"Our passion as the Motor City transcends a love of cars," said NAIAS Chairman Barron Meade. "The automotive community and the city band together each year during the NAIAS Charity Preview for the greater good of our future, and that is our children. Thousands of children benefit from this event as a result of that sense of community."

Support by sponsors allow for a great event for attendees, and as a result, the maximum benefit for children in the metro area. The sponsors of the 2011 NAIAS Charity Preview included:

• RBS/Charter One: Presenting Sponsor; marking its fourth year of support.
• Delta Air Lines, Comcast and MGM Grand Detroit: Sponsors of the VIP Ribbon Cutting Party.
• Art Van Furniture: Special Additional Support.

Charity Preview attendees had the special opportunity to enjoy cutting-edge concept and production vehicles up close on the showroom floor while enjoying a Motor City musical favorite, "The Rockets."

Since its inception in 1976, Charity Preview has raised nearly $82 million for children's charities in metro Detroit, over $37 million of which was raised in the last seven years alone. Medical treatment, clothing and support services for local kids in need all are made possible through the purchase of Charity Preview tickets.

Beneficiaries of the Charity Preview include: Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan; Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit; The Children's Center; Judson Center; The Detroit Institute for Children; Think Detroit PAL; March of Dimes; The Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation; and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 23rd year as an international event, the NAIAS (www.naias.com) is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most - up close and in one place. One of the largest media events in North America, the NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.

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Press Preview - Monday-Tuesday, January 10-11, 2011

Industry Preview - Wednesday-Thursday, January 12-13, 2011

Charity Preview - Friday, January 14, 2011

Public Show - Saturday-Sunday, January 15-23, 2011

SOURCE North American International Auto Show