Kids and Cars become the Stars at Charity Preview Gala

By Andre Ash/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - It was a spectacular evening at one of the most exclusive events in the nation. Downtown Detroit was buzzing Friday night as thousands of people packed the Cobo convention center for the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2012 Charity Preview. This is Detroit's premier black-tie gala that brings car lovers together for a good cause. Charity Preview is an event that raises funds for children's charities across southeast Michigan.

Guest arrived in limos and were greeted with orders and a glass of sparkling champagne. The mood was uplifting during the opening ceremony as the crowd moved to the beat of "Lose Yourself" performed by The Selected God Choir. This local group was introduced to the nation when they made an appearance in the Chrysler Super Bowl commercial last year which featured Eminem. It was a fitting way to kick off the night for the Charity Preview Ribbon-Cutting.

Both American and foreign auto-makers unveiled their vehicles onto the show floor where the cars became the stars. That new car smell coupled with style, shine, technology, and fuel efficiency makes the auto show worth visiting. "I think this event stirs a very positive image for the city," said Mayor Dave Bing. "Its renowned, its worldwide, there are people from all over the world here and I just think its a very positive sign for the city of Detroit."



The auto show floor was packed at this who's who affair. The red-carpet was rolled out and ready for everyone from the automotive world to political and business leaders. The guest list included Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, U.S. Representatives Sander and Carl Levin, John Dingell, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Detroit City Council members, General Motors' Dan Akerson and Mark Ruess, Ford Motor Company's Alan Mulally, Chrysler Group's Pietro Gorlier, and that high profile list seemed to go on forever.

The evening's attire wasn't just black and white. Women were out front and showed their fashion statement from knee-high skirts to floor long gowns and some brightly colored as the cars themselves. Some were covered in all navy blue, pink, and even purple dresses. Thousands of attendees put themselves in the driver-seat, literally. Guest were able to take some of the car models on a test drive. There's even a interactive zone that gives adults and children a drive behind the wheel in a video-game type feature.

"What a night," said Bill Perkins, chairman, NAIAS 2012. "We were thrilled that ticket sales were up over 20 percent from last year, and as of show time we were 12 tickets short from our goal of 12,000 tickets sold, so the Detroit Auto Dealers Association purchased the remaining tickets, and we reached the $3 million mark."

The NAIAS Charity Preview has raised over $87 million for children's charities in southeast Michigan since 1976. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit 12 local children's charities.