NAIAS Gala to Benefit 12 Children Charities

On January 15, the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will host a Charity Preview gala fundraising event at Cobo Center in Detroit which will benefit a wide range of children's charities. Since 1989 the Charity Preview has raised more than $79 million for southeastern Michigan children's charities, with over $35 million raised in the last six years alone.

"Every year we are so proud to host this event which has gained not only local but national recognition for the funds that it provides to these 12 deserving charities. For the second year in a row we are facing a very tough economic year, particularly in our immediate community, and these charities need our help now more than ever,” Doug Fox, chairman, 2010 NAIAS, said in a release.

“Their annual budgets are based largely on what we raise that one spectacular evening in January. At this time, it's crucial that we pull together as a community and industry to show our support to these charities that make such a difference in the lives of children in Detroit," he added.

Benefiting charities include Barat Child and Family Services, a program of Matrix Human Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope Girls Hope Detroit, The Children's Center, Children's Services of the Northeast Guidance Center Assistance League, Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, The Detroit Institute for Children, Easter Seals - Michigan, Judson Center, March of Dimes and Think Detroit PAL.

Some two weeks ago, NAIAS organizers announced the manufacturers which will display their EVs at the so called Electric Avenue, a 37,000 square foot feature on the show's main floor.