DETROIT (WWJ) -- Friday's Charity Preview at the North American International Auto Show brought in just over $4 million dollars for Southeast Michigan charities, show officials announced.
As the NAIAS shifts to mid-summer in 2020, the 43rd -- and final one in January -- edition of the Charity Preview saw more than 10,000 people attend the black tie gala, benefitting children across the area. The Charity Preview has now raised more than $121 million for children's charities in its 43 years.
Proceeds from Friday's Charity Preview directly benefit a wide range of children’s charities that support services for children of all ages, from birth to 18.
Beneficiaries of the 2019 NAIAS Charity Preview include:• Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan• Boys Hope Girls Hope Detroit• Children’s Center• The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation• The Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan• Detroit PAL• Judson Center• March of Dimes Metro Detroit
The Charity preview, sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems for the fourth consecutive year, has evolved into the largest annual single-night fundraiser in the world, according to a press release from NAIAS officials.
2019 NAIAS Chairman Bill Golling says the Charity Preview event will continue to be a key part of the show moving forward as the show moves to the summer.
"We’ll capitalize on the warm weather in June, perhaps with riverfront activities and outdoor activities,” Golling said.
He noted the event is planned for Friday, June 12, 2020.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined WWJ's live show from the Charity Preview. Whitmer says she hopes she will be able to convinve General Motors to convince to add more shifts to its plants in Grand Rapids and Orion Township.
"I'm hopeful, and that's the case I'm going to make. There is opportunity there, and I'm hopeful that they are going to make Michigan their home state; make their first investments right here," Whitmer said.