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NAIAS Charity Preview: Detroiters Open Hearts, Raise $5.3 Million For Children

DETROIT (WWJ) - Organizers say Friday night's Charity Preview at the North American International Auto Show was one for the record books.

Industry and community joined together, raising $5.34 million for nine children's charities in Southeastern Michigan. NAIAS reported that 13,350 people braved Michigan's cold outdoor temperatures to attend Detroit's premier black-tie gala at Cobo Center.

After Friday night, organizers say they have surpassed the $100 million mark in total funds raised for children's charities since the NAIAS Charity Preview was established in 1976.

"Tonight, children and families were the center of the automotive world," NAIAS Chairman Scott LaRiche said in a statement."I am so honored to be part of an industry and a community that pulls together to help others. The fact that Charity Preview was established by a group of Detroit-area auto dealers, and has grown to one of the most high-profile events in the nation, brings great pride to all of us in the dealer community."

Evening proceeds directly benefit a wide range of children's charities. Funds raised will support services for children of all ages.

Beneficiaries of the Charity Preview include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit, The Children's Center, Judson Center, and The Detroit Institute for Children, Think Detroit PAL, March of Dimes, Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

The auto show opens to the public at 9 a.m. Saturday.

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