DETROIT, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The auction of the
first regular retail production 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has
helped raise more than $2.5 million
for the upcoming Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
32nd Annual Dinner, which will be held April 26 in Detroit.
Donated by Chevrolet, the supercar went for $1 million at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car
Auction in Palm Beach, Fla. on
April 12. The winning bid came from
Hendrick Automotive Group Chairman and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, an
avid Corvette collector and preservationist.
Proceeds from the auction will assist with the renovation of the
Karmanos Cancer Institute's infusion center, providing a more
comfortable and soothing setting for patients to receive
chemotherapy treatments.
"We thank Rick Hendrick for his
ongoing, generous support that will help Karmanos Cancer Institute
provide better care and treatment for cancer patients," said
General Motors President Dan Ammann.
"We are humbled by all those who are supporting the Annual Dinner
and who are giving generously to help us exceed last year's
fundraising total of $2.5
million."
Ammann and his wife, Pernilla, chief operating officer of Mother
New York, will chair the 2014 Annual Dinner, hosted by Cadillac, at Detroit's Fox Theatre. This is the fourth
consecutive year that a member of GM senior leadership has chaired
the event.
Chevrolet's donation of the 2015 Z06 demonstrates the brand's
outstanding commitment to the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Last year,
Chevrolet raised $1 million through
the auction of the first 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible that
was also purchased by Hendrick. In addition, GM and the GM
Foundation's support of Karmanos totals nearly $7.3 million over the last 17 years.
"The remarkable support from our chairs, Pernilla and Dan Ammann, GM, the GM Foundation,
Host Sponsor Cadillac and Chevrolet is unprecedented," said
Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D.,
president and CEO of Karmanos. "We are also extremely grateful to
Barrett-Jackson, Rick
Hendrick and all of our sponsors for making this a tremendous
year in the fight against cancer. We will continue the fundraising
momentum behind the Annual Dinner to assure that our cancer
patients have the best possible chance of beating their
disease."
The 1920s-inspired black tie event will feature a strolling
cocktail reception, entertainment provided by the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra, a seated dinner and live auction. To reserve tickets,
please contact Lisa at 313-576-8106, koltuncl@karmanos.org, or
visit the Karmanos 2014 Annual Dinner website to reserve tickets
online.
About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit,
Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, a
subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, is one of 41 National Cancer
Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Karmanos is among the
nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000
staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty
at the Wayne State University School of
Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial
donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms
of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of
Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and
academics related to cancer care. Gerold
Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief
executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go
to www.karmanos.org.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's
largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and
selling more than 4.9 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet
provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature
spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More
information on Chevrolet models can be found at
www.chevrolet.com.
About General Motors Co.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM,
TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and
the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and
fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint
venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang,
Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company
and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle
safety, security and information services, can be found at
http://www.gm.com.
About the GM Foundation
Since its inception in 1976,
the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to
American charities, educational organizations and to disaster
relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting
Education, Health and Human Services, the Environment and Community
Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM
operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The
last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more
information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.
SOURCE General Motors