Detroit’s big night: NAIAS celebrates 'The Return of the Buzz'

The buzz is back at Detroit's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2012, and Friday’s Charity Preview event
will celebrate the excitement and enthusiasm felt all week at Detroit's Cobo Center.

Charity Preview, Detroit’s premier black-tie gala, will be held tomorrow at NAIAS, and is expected to raise more than $3 million. Charity Preview is sponsored by Charter One, part of the RBS group, and is the largest single night fundraiser in North America.

“It's been absolutely electric at NAIAS this week thanks to the fantastic vehicle introductions that have been presented on our world stage,” said Bill Perkins, Chairman, NAIAS 2012. "Extensive auto show coverage has been seen in media outlets around the world. Our show and our city have been positioned as winners, and we are very, very proud of that."

Perkins said NAIAS Charity Preview is the perfect way to celebrate the fact that the buzz is back in the industry in general, and in the show, in particular.

“Charity Preview is a very special evening for all of us in the Detroit area,” said Perkins. “We'll have entertainment, professional athletes and celebrities to help us celebrate an evening of giving, all with the backdrop of some of the greatest new vehicles revealed for the first time ever right here in 'The D'."

Perkins said on Tuesday of this week, sales of Charity Preview tickets had already exceeded last year's total sales of 10,649. Show organisers said they expect to reach a 20 per cent total increase in ticket sales over the 2011 event, a sign if the improving economy and excitement created by the auto show.

"I want to encourage everyone to come experience one of the most special evenings anywhere in the world," he said. "Buy your tickets today, or buy them tomorrow, but please come join us in support of the children's charities of Southeastern Michigan."

Tickets for Charity Preview are $250, $240 of which is tax deductible. Proceeds from this elegant event that mixes glamour and everything automotive, support vital services for children in the Detroit metro area. Since 1976 the NAIAS Charity Preview has raised over $84 million for southeast Michigan children's charities - over $33 million of which was raised in the last seven years alone.

Posted in: Charity,North American International Auto Show 2012