North American International Auto Show (Detroit) Charity Preview Nearing Sell Out

DETROIT, Dec. 24, 2003 -- Known as the world's largest annual fundraiser for children's charities, the North American International Auto Show's (NAIAS) annual black-tie Charity Preview is nearing a sell out, to raise a record fundraising goal of $7 million in 2004. Since the show became international in 1989, the NAIAS Charity Preview has generated more than $44 million for children's charities in metro Detroit. In 2004 that total will be brought to more than $50 million.

"The Charity Preview continues to make a difference in the lives of children throughout the Detroit area," said NAIAS 2004 Senior Co-Chairman Chuck Fortinberry. "For example, one Charity Preview ticket provides four individual and family therapy sessions, one month of summer camp and three medication maintenance visits with a staff psychiatrist from Children's Services of Northeast Guidance Center."

The 2004 Charity Preview will take place Friday, January 9, at Cobo Center in Detroit from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. For more information on the NAIAS 2004 Charity Preview, or to be added to the event ticket wait list, call (888) 838-7500.

Beneficiaries of the 2004 Charity Preview include: Barat Child and Family Services; Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan; Boys Hope-Girls Hope of Detroit; The Children's Center; Children's Homes of Judson Center; Children's Services of Northeast Guidance Center Assistance League; The Detroit Institute for Children; Detroit Police Athletic League (PAL); Easter Seal Society of Southeastern Michigan, Inc.; March of Dimes; and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan.

NAIAS 2004 Official Dates

Cobo Center in Detroit will host the NAIAS 2004 starting on Sunday, Jan. 4 with the first of three official Press Days that run through Tuesday, Jan. 6. NAIAS Industry Preview Days will be held Wednesday, Jan. 7 and Thursday, Jan. 8. The 2004 show will open to the public on Saturday, Jan. 10, and run through Monday, Jan. 19, 2004 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day).

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 16th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is considered among the most prestigious auto shows in the world and is one of the largest media events in North America. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn the distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com .