Detroit dealers raise $6.1 million

…People and Places

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association plays host to one of the industry's biggest and most glamorous annual events — the Charity Preview of the North American International Auto Show.

This year's black-tie event drew 17,500 people — including industry leaders from around the world, local politicians and professional athletes — and raised $6.1 million for several Detroit-area children's charities.

Tickets for the three-hour gala were $350 and sold out a month before the event. In fact, the waiting list for tickets numbers 3,000.

DADA officials say 91% of the take goes to the selected charities.

Since 1969, the event has raised more than $36 million for: Barat Child & Family Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope/Girls Hope Detroit, Children's Center of Wayne County, Children's Services of the Northeast Guidance Center Assistance League, Detroit Institute for Children, Easter Seal Society of Southeastern Michigan, Judson Center, March of Dimes, Detroit Police Athletic League and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation.