Barrett-Jackson Helps Raise More Than $500,000 For Charities During Palm Beach Auction
Palm Beach, Fla. – April 17, 2007 – The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company announced that the 2007 Palm Beach Collector Car Event raised more than $500,000 for various local and national charities. The 5th annual South Florida auction was held from March 28 – April 1, 2007, and featured nearly 600 of the world’s finest collector cars. Barrett-Jackson, who does not charge buyer and seller fees on charity vehicles, has raised nearly $6 million for various charities in 2007.
Highlighting the charity cars was the new Ford Shelby GT-H convertible, which sold for $250,000 and benefited the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The car, which was hidden during the first days of the auction, was uncovered on the block to reveal automotive icon Carroll Shelby in the passenger’s seat.
“Mr. Shelby really got the crowd going when he stepped out of the new GT-H Convertible,” said Craig Jackson, CEO of Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. “He’s a true humanitarian whose foundation has benefited children throughout the country. Supporting charities at Barrett-Jackson is as important as the cars, and we look forward to returning to Palm Beach next year to raise even more money.”
Dedicated to prevent, provide for and ultimately cure spinal cord injuries and other debilitating illnesses, the Darrell Gwynn Foundation was also well supported in Palm Beach, highlighted by a 2006 Cadillac CTS that sold for $60,000. Barrett-Jackson matched the winning bid on the Cadillac and additional donations were made by auctioneers and crowd members. Before the Cadillac crossed the block, three-year-old Lana Rubin received the pink wheelchair of her dreams from the Darrell Gwynn Foundation. The foundation also benefited from the sale of a 2007 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale poster signed by all the celebrities at the Scottsdale event, which went for $20,000.
“When Lana received her new wheelchair and the crowd went crazy with extra donations, it was one of the most memorable moments I’ve experienced at a Barrett-Jackson event,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Darrell Gwynn and his organization have made some special presentations at our events, but this one may have topped them all.”
The Opening Night Gala was held on Wednesday, March 28, and raised nearly $30,000 for various charities. The Motorsports Hall of Fame also benefited from the sale of a classic 1939 Chevrolet custom 2-door sedan nicknamed, “Elliot,” sold by Jennifer Revson, sister of racing legend Peter Revson. In addition, portions of the proceeds of several other stunning vehicles went to a group of worthwhile charities.
“Barrett-Jackson is committed to giving car collectors the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of less fortunate individuals across the country,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Thanks to the support of our loyal customers and world-class media outlets like SPEED, we’re able to reach out to these organizations and make them a dynamic part of our Scottsdale and Palm Beach events.”
About Barrett-Jackson
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
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