Barrett-Jackson’s 3rd Annual Las Vegas Auction To Be Epicenter Of Charity Fundraising
Six national foundations to benefit from the sale of seven charity cars and one motorcycle
• Actor Patrick Dempsey to sell personal racecar
• One lucky bidder will take home pair of historic Corvettes and benefit charity
LAS VEGAS — Sept. 22, 2010 — The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company will help raise money for national and local charities during its 3rd Annual Las Vegas Collector Car Auction on Thursday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Sept. 25. Eight vehicles, ranging from classics, new collectibles, muscle cars and a motorcycle, will be sold at No Reserve during the three-day automotive lifestyle event to benefit six nationally-recognized foundations.
“Since Barrett-Jackson hosted its first car show nearly 40 years ago to raise money for a community project, our team has helped local and national charities reach their goals at every one of our auctions,” said Craig Jackson, chairman/CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “Barrett-Jackson offers charities an unparalleled opportunity to raise money for their cause and so far this year, we’ve generated six million dollars for numerous foundations across the country.”
Two for One
The Darrell Gwynn Foundation and Ralph Braun Foundation will each benefit from the sale of two cars to support their charities.
The Darrell Gwynn Foundation will have a 2005 Ford Mustang FR500C racecar (Lot #668) donated by Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey and a 20th anniversary 1990 Coors Extra Gold Top Fuel dragster (Lot #668.1) donated for the third time by Ron Pratte. The Foundation began in 2002 to provide awareness, prevention and support to ultimately find a cure for spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
The FR500C driven by Dempsey features a 5.0 liter Cammer engine with a six-speed transmission. Since its Grand-Am Cup introduction in 2005, it has earned the team 10 wins, 92 top-10 finishes and 25 podium appearances. The top fuel dragster will make its fourth appearance at Barrett-Jackson to raise funds for the Foundation. Ron Pratte donated the vehicle back to the charity after each auction in order to help the organization reach its goal of raising one million dollars. The car meticulously replicates the top fuel dragster driven by Darrell Gwynn.
The Ralph Braun Foundation was created to provide wheelchair accessible transportation to individuals and organizations who cannot afford them. Two Corvettes will be sold as a pair to benefit the Foundation at the auction. A 1981 Chevrolet Corvette coupe (Lot #373) was the first off the assembly line in Bowling Green, Ky. Its partner, a 1981 Chevrolet Corvette coupe (Lot #373.1), was the last built at the legendary St. Louis factory before the doors closed on July 31, 1981. The twins feature a beige exterior over a camel interior with a V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission.
“The pair of Corvettes is not only historically significant, it marks the end of one era and the beginning of another for GM,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Corvettes were produced in St. Louis for 27 years before the line moved to Kentucky. The two ‘Vettes will be incredible collectibles for any enthusiast wanting a real piece of automotive history.”
Supporting Our Troops
Throughout the century, veterans have become a symbol of freedom to the American people. In Las Vegas, three charities will honor the thousands in uniform by raising money to support their military service.
The Las Vegas community and local businesses have always been active supporters of our armed forces,” added Jackson. “Barrett-Jackson is extremely proud to be a part of an event where three fantastic vehicles will raise money for those who fight for our country.”
The Fisher House Foundation for Armed Forces and Veterans Aid will receive funds from the sale of a 2010 Hardcore Speedster motorcycle (Lot #356). Signed by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, this cruiser has a six-speed manual 2100CC engine. The Foundation supports families of military personnel who are in the hospital by providing those families with “comfort homes” located on the grounds of major military bases and VA medical hospitals.
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund was founded to support families of military personnel lost in service and for those veterans severely wounded. The 2010 limited edition Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Chevrolet Camaro custom coupe (Lot #392) features an eight cylinder, 6.2 liter, six-speed engine. Supercharged with 650 horsepower, a 2000-watt sound system, UFC fight glove seats and suede headliner, the vehicle will be a powerful machine to drive and enjoy.
Driven by Kasey Kahne at road courses in Sonoma and Watkins Glen, the 2009 #9 Budweiser NASCAR Sprint Cup Dodge Charger (Lot #84) will raise money for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). The racer has a 358cid engine that produces up to 830 horsepower. The PVA works to maximize the quality of life for its members — veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction.
A Hometown Headliner
The YMCA of Southern Nevada was founded to provide families with a recreational facility as well as support continuing health and wellness for individuals of all ages. Thanks to GM, the owner of the second regular production 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible (Lot #396) will receive the opportunity to order the color, engine, transmission, trim and factory installed equipment.
“This is a great prospect for any enthusiast who wants to be directly involved in designing their collectible,” stated Davis. “This Camaro will be very special to the winning bidder because they get to add their personal touches. The owner will also choose the location of delivery, so they can pick it up at their local dealership or at the GM Heritage Museum in Detroit.”
For more information on becoming a bidder, follow the link to www.barrett-jackson.com/bid.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
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 Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
Media Contact:
Automotive media contact: Jennifer Pullen, www.tprm-usa.com, (214) 520-3430 Ext. 307, jpullen@tprm-usa.com California/Local media contact: Kelly Reeves, KLR, (949) 509-1888, kelly@klrpr.com