Sale of special Corvette coupe benefits cancer investigations at TGen
Barrett-Jackson auction funds research in memory of CEO’s father, brother
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jan. 18, 2012 — A 1993 Chevrolet Corvette 40th Anniversary coupe, (Lot # 3044; VIN 1G1YY23PXP51204), will cross the auction block on Jan. 21 at the 41st Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction to benefit cancer research at the non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).
Proceeds will go to the Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund at TGen, in Memory of Russ and Brian Jackson. The fund is a salute to auction Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson’s father, Russ, and brother, Brian, whose lives were cut short by colon cancer.
The ruby red 1993 Corvette is one of the 40th anniversary models of this legendary sports car. The first Corvette was built in 1953.
The car already has raised more than $200,000 for TGen research. The Corvette was sold and donated back several times during last year’s auction, which was overseen by an emotional Craig Jackson.
“The donation, and re-donation, of this vehicle is a remarkable gesture and I am overcome with gratitude for the funds raised for TGen cancer research in memory of my dad and brother,” Craig Jackson said.
This year, the Corvette will go on the auction block about 9:30 p.m. Jan. 21. This Saturday night slot is considered prime time at the auction, when many of the most expensive collector cars are featured. The Corvette has a 350cid V8 engine, 6-speed transmission, both tops, 8,000 original miles, air conditioning, power windows and power brakes.
Money raised by Barrett-Jackson supports TGen’s research into colon and prostate cancer at TGen’s Russ and Brian Jackson Research Laboratory.
“The entire Barrett-Jackson family has joined with TGen to bring hope to cancer patients through the promise of improved diagnostics and better treatments,” said Michael Bassoff, President of the non-profit TGen Foundation. “We hope that the hundreds of thousands attending this year’s auction will visit the Barrett Jackson Cancer Research Fund exhibit and support this important effort.”
Nearly 140,000 Americans are diagnosed annually with colon cancer, which each year kills nearly 50,000 patients, the third-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
An additional 240,000 American men are annually diagnosed with prostate cancer, which each year kills nearly 34,000 patients, the second-leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S.
The Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund at TGen has become a fundraising focus at each of the four Barrett-Jackson collector car auctions. Craig Jackson acts as a national spokesperson, spreading the word about how the fund supports research into both diseases and may one day lead to improved quality of life for cancer patients.
Besides its annual Scottsdale event, Barrett-Jackson also conducts collector car auctions each year in: Palm Beach, Fla.; Orange County, Calif.; and Las Vegas, Nev.
This month’s Barrett-Jackson auction, Jan. 15-22 at WestWorld, is the 41st time the annual event is being held in Scottsdale.
In 2011, Barrett-Jackson raised nearly $4 million for charity during its 40th Anniversary Scottsdale auction.
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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 Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas and Orange County, Calif. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.
About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of translational research where investigators are able to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
syozwiak@tgen.org