2005 NAIAS Charity Preview Nearing Sellout

Annual event has generated nearly $35 million since 2000

DETROIT, Jan. 3 -- The North American International Auto Show's (NAIAS) annual black-tie Charity Preview is nearing a sellout and is projected to reach its fundraising goal of $7 million in 2005. In the past five years, the NAIAS Charity Preview has generated nearly $35 million for children's charities in metro Detroit.

The 2005 Charity Preview will take place Friday, Jan. 14, at Cobo Center in Detroit from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets for the event are $400 each. For more information on the NAIAS 2005 Charity Preview, or to be added to the event ticket wait list, call (888) 838-7500.

"We are on pace for another sellout, but anyone interested in attending should call as soon as possible to get their requests in. There is a very good possibility that they will be able to receive tickets to attend," said Bill Cook, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2005.

Beneficiaries of the 2005 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; Grafico Industries, Inc.; and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan.

"The Charity Preview continues to make a difference in the lives of children throughout the Detroit area," said Cook. "For example, one Charity Preview ticket provides a foster child with clothes and school books for an entire year, 2 1/2 months of counseling, summer enrichment activities and meals for four months from Boys Hope-Girls Hope of Detroit."

NAIAS 2005 Official Dates

Press Preview Days will be held Sunday, Jan. 9, through Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005. Industry Preview Days will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 12 and Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005. The Charity Preview will be held Friday evening, Jan. 14, 2005. Public Days are Saturday, Jan. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005.

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 17th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is 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 http://www.naias.com/ .