The event not only drew 13,791 attendees to a showfloor packed with the newest models from U.S. and overseas automobile manufacturers, but also $4.8 million was raised for nine area children’s charities.
The 2014 Charity Preview results represent nearly a $1 million increase in funds raised, compared with 2013, and the highest amount raised since 2008.
"The evening was absolutely electric," said Bob Shuman, chairman, NAIAS 2014. "It was a sea of sequence and black, and the accessories were the smiles of 13,000-plus people celebrating our industry by giving back to the kids in our community."
Charities benefitting from the event include Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys and Girls Hope Detroit, The Children's Center, The Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Detroit Institute of Children, Judson Center, March of Dimes Metro Detroit and Detroit PAL.
Each year, charitable organizations from throughout the region submit proposals for grants from the DADA Charitable Fund to support worthy programs to improve and enhance the lives of children and youth, according to NAIAS officials.
Approximately 10 grants, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, are awarded from the fund annually.
Since 1976, the NAIAS Charity Preview has raised more than $95 million for Southeast Michigan Children's Charities, more than $54 million of which was raised in the last 10 years alone.
Besides showing off the cars, the event also marked its 25th anniversary celebration with a concert featuring singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow and the new Grand Ballroom at Cobo was transformed into a nightclub with live bands, food and cocktails.
The charity preview marked the end of press and industry week at the show and doors opened the following morning to the 1 million attendees expected to check out the cars in the next two weeks.
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