North American International Auto Show Charity Preview Revs Up $5.1 Million for Detroit Children’s Charities
January 26, 2018
In a celebration of kids, cars and Motown, the 2018 North American International Auto Show’s (NAIAS) Charity Preview raced to the finish line with almost $5.1 million in funds raised for children’s charities in the Detroit area.
Held Jan. 19 at the Cobo Center, more than 13,000 people attended the black-tie gala, recognized as the largest annual single-night fundraiser in the world, according to NAIAS officials.
“Earlier in the week, we saw a powerful lineup of products and leaders come together to advance our industry’s mobility-focused future,” said 2018 NAIAS Chairman Ryan LaFontaine at the event.
He added, “Tonight, we see that same industry and our entire Motor City rally around the most vulnerable within our community.”
Sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems for the third consecutive year, Charity Preview has raised nearly $118 million for southeastern Michigan children’s charities since the Detroit Auto Dealers Association established the gala 42 years ago, with more than $41 million raised in the last 10 years alone.
Proceeds from the annual gala directly benefit a wide range of children’s charities, supporting services for kids of all ages from birth to 18.
Beneficiaries of the NAIAS Charity Preview included:
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
• Boys Hope Girls Hope Detroit
• Children’s Center
• The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation
• Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund
• Detroit PAL
• Judson Center
• March of Dimes Metro Detroit
At the event, The Four Tops took center stage with a special performance on Cobo’s Atrium stage, during which the Detroit Auto Dealers Association presented a $75,000 gift to the Motown Museum.
The annual charity event builds on NAIAS Preview Week’s momentum of global vehicle and technology reveals and industry-shaping announcements, which is held prior to the Public Show that runs Jan. 20-28.
Now in its 30th year, NAIAS is known as one of the largest and most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing attendees one-stop, up-close access to the vehicles and technologies shaping the future automotive landscape, according to NAIAS officials.
NAIAS is the only auto show in the U.S. to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the globe.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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