North American International Auto Show Charity Preview Draws 13,791 Attendees, Raises $4.8 Million
January 18, 2014
Glittering gowns, tuxes galore, flutes of champagne and massive exhibits filled with the latest cars were just a few of the many highlights at this year’s North American International Auto Show’s Charity Preview Jan. 17 at Detroit’s Cobo Center.
The event not only drew 13,791 attendees to a showfloor packed with the newest models from U.S. and overseas automobile manufacturers, but also $4.8 million was raised for nine area children’s charities.
The 2014 Charity Preview results represent nearly a $1 million increase in funds raised, compared with 2013, and the highest amount raised since 2008.
"The evening was absolutely electric," said Bob Shuman, chairman, NAIAS 2014. "It was a sea of sequence and black, and the accessories were the smiles of 13,000-plus people celebrating our industry by giving back to the kids in our community."
Charities benefitting from the event include Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys and Girls Hope Detroit, The Children's Center, The Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Detroit Institute of Children, Judson Center, March of Dimes Metro Detroit and Detroit PAL.
Funds raised by the Charity Preview also are utilized for the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund.
Each year, charitable organizations from throughout the region submit proposals for grants from the DADA Charitable Fund to support worthy programs to improve and enhance the lives of children and youth, according to NAIAS officials.
Approximately 10 grants, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, are awarded from the fund annually.
Since 1976, the NAIAS Charity Preview has raised more than $95 million for Southeast Michigan Children's Charities, more than $54 million of which was raised in the last 10 years alone.
Besides showing off the cars, the event also marked its 25th anniversary celebration with a concert featuring singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow and the new Grand Ballroom at Cobo was transformed into a nightclub with live bands, food and cocktails.
The charity preview marked the end of press and industry week at the show and doors opened the following morning to the 1 million attendees expected to check out the cars in the next two weeks.
Partner Voices
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In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
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OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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