DETROIT, Sept. 19, 2022 – A very special group of children and their families will experience a VIP visit to the North American International Auto Show (aka Detroit Auto Show) as guests of The Greater Detroit Area Toyota Dealers today, Monday, Sept. 19 and Wednesday, Sept. 21. The Toyota dealers will be sponsoring the show visit for children affiliated with The Rainbow Connection, an organization that has been granting wishes for Michigan children with life-threatening illnesses since 1985.
The children and their families will tour the show from top to bottom, seeing everything from SUVs and supercars to dinosaurs and ducks to vehicle experiences and fun activations like “Toyota Live,” an interactive show at the automaker’s exhibit. They will also enjoy lunch at the show and receive a goodie bag with memories from their visit.
“The Rainbow Connection Wish Children and their families are honored to be able to partner with The Greater Detroit Area Toyota Dealers to attend the Detroit Auto Show this year,” said Ingrid Todt, executive director of the organization. “It has been a long-standing tradition for Wish Families to visit the show, and they certainly look forward to this amazing event each and every year.”
The auto show has long been the backdrop for providing memorable experiences for children and families, including those most vulnerable in the community such as at-risk and underserved youth as well as children with life-threatening illnesses. The Detroit Auto Dealers Association Education Foundation Inc. has proudly hosted various 501(c)(3) charitable organizations at the auto show for many years.
“These visits bring the excitement of hundreds of vehicles to life for these children while providing a respite from daily challenges,” said DADA Executive Director Rod Alberts. “We are extremely appreciative to our hometown Toyota dealers for sponsoring The Rainbow Connection’s visit this year. It will be two extra special days at the auto show for some really special kids.”
About The Rainbow Connection
The Rainbow Connection is a unique and compassionate wish granting organization that provides support services and grants wishes to children in Michigan battling a life-threatening medical condition. The organization has granted over 4,000 wishes since 1985, and it has no waiting list. Granting wishes is a way of providing families the opportunity to share a positive experience together making lasting memories along the way and providing hope of a brighter future.
About the North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show (aka Detroit Auto Show) is one of the most influential annual automotive events in the world and a showcase for emerging technologies. September of 2022 ushers in the next-generation auto show in Detroit featuring a totally transformed indoor and outdoor experience, including brand-defining vehicles, product ride-and-drives and dynamic experiential activations. The reimagined event includes: Media Day, an opportunity for automakers and industry suppliers to debut new products and technologies; Industry Tech Days, a chance to preview emerging mobility technologies and engage with innovators; AutoMobili-D, an inside look at future mobility platforms; Charity Preview, a signature fundraising gala for children’s charities; and the Public Show, a nine-day mobility and community celebration with activations and entertainment citywide. For more information, visit naias.com.
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Dates for the 2022 Detroit Auto Show are:
- Media Day, Wednesday, Sept. 14
- AutoMobili-D and Industry Tech Days, Wednesday, Sept. 14 and Thursday, Sept. 15
- Charity Preview, Friday, Sept. 16
- Public Show, Saturday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, Sept. 25
