North American International Auto Show Charity Preview Draws 13,791 Attendees, Raises $4.8 Million
January 18, 2014
Glittering gowns, tuxes galore, flutes of champagne and massive exhibits filled with the latest cars were just a few of the many highlights at this year’s North American International Auto Show’s Charity Preview Jan. 17 at Detroit’s Cobo Center.
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.
Funds raised by the Charity Preview also are utilized for the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund.
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.
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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