Detroit's Stars Shine and Raise Money For Deserving Charities
Posted: 1/21/2008

Los Angeles has the Oscars, New York has the Tony's and Detroit has the Charity Preview. Complete with glitz, glam and celebrity sightings, Detroit came out to party in style to raise money for children and celebrate our distinguished automotive heritage and it's future.

According to North American International Auto Show Sr. Chairman Carl Galeana, "Tonight is a celebration of our proud automotive heritage. These vehicles are a testament to who we are as a state, a country and an industry." What a testament it was. Attended by a virtual who's who including legendary entrepreneur Don Barden & wife Bella, Extra host A.J. Calloway, in addition to film and television star Morris Chestnut. Today Show anchor, Hoda Kotb was wearing a trend right short silver sequin tank dress by Carmen Marc Valvo, Kotb was pleasantly surprised at the evenings events. "People have always told me how great an event this is, but being here to experience it firsthand....I can say that Detroit truly rocks!" Rock Detroit did with a opening ceremony concert by rock band Barenaked Ladies.

Along with the spectacular view of what's hot in automotive and fashion style, the evening was a party with a powerful and much needed purpose. Led by Sr. Chairman Galeana and Co-Chairman Joe Serra, the Charity Preview raised $6 million dollars for 13 charities including; Children's Hospital, Boys Hope Girls Hope Detroit, Detroit Institute for Children, Easter Seals of Michigan, Think Detroit PAL, Barat Child & Family Services, Boys & Girls Club of
Michigan, The Children's Center, Children's Services of Northeast Guidance Center Assistance League, Children's Homes of Judson and The Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund. With $390 dollars of each $400 dollar ticket going towards
the lucky 13, this glamorous affair is consistently one of the most profitable fundraisers held in the state every year.

With Michigan in what some would call a "one state recession" charitable giving is down across the board and the funds raised by the NAIAS preview will go towards helping to close the gap of reduced corporate and individual giving. "This is a tremendous and a extremely important event. The proceeds from the preview go to help some of the most deserving charities in our communities that focus on the needs of our children. Providing medical treatment, clothing, and support services that without this funding may not be possible. But we must also not give just from our pockets, but of our time as well," said the Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm.

Echoing her concerns were City of Detroit First Lady, Carlita Kilpatrick, who wore a stunning strapless red Prnina Tornai, gown matching her dashing sons Jelani, Jalil, Jonas and husband Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. "It is extremely important to support these charities as they are in charge of our children's future. Each of the charities chosen as beneficiaries of the Charity Preview are working to ensure that the children of Southeastern Michigan are provided with everything they need to live healthy, happy, and prosperous lives. They are each run by phenomenal people doing extraordinary things everyday. My own children participate in the Think Detroit PAL program and I can attest to the wonderful work they do in our
community."

For others this was a night to showcase our great city to the world. "This is Detroit's big night out and a chance to show the world what Detroit has to offer," said former politician and current Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

With the 2008 Charity Preview in the books, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association has provided over $71 million dollars over the last 30 years to various charities, with $46 million of that being raised in the last six years. The overall impact of the NAIAS results in over $400 million dollars being pumped in to Detroit's economy. "Having the North American Auto Show in Southeastern Michigan is like having the Superbowl every year, that is how important this event
is to our region and the state," said Mayor Kilpatrick.


Even in times of great economic turmoil, skyrocketing oil prices, and a turbulent outlook for the "Big Three", 15,000 people attended the sold out event. The Charity Preview had the ability to bring together the diversity of our region, if only for one night, move people to generously donate from the heart and rock out in fabulous style like only Michigan and Detroit could.

- Nicole Brown

Nicole@detroitfashionpages.com

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COMMENTS

Submitted by Standardmany on 12/15/2009 3:10:03 AM
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Submitted by Asia on 1/23/2008 11:20:34 PM
Very well written!! It seemed like you had a blast!!