Detroit International Wine Auction a Gala, Record-Breaking Event

33rd annual event raises more than $2.4 million for scholarships and community arts programs

News provided by

Nov 06, 2014, 03:13 ET

DETROIT, Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Wine and art lovers and friends of the College for Creative Studies raised a record $2.4 million at The Art of Wine: 33^rd Detroit International Wine Auction, chaired by General Motors CEO Mary Barra and her husband, Tony Barra.

Lead sponsor General Motors and presenting sponsor Gallagher-Kaiser led a record-breaking year for sponsorships, which totaled $1.1 million, while auction lots garnered an additional $1.3 million toward the $2.4 million total — the proceeds of which will go toward undergraduate scholarships for deserving CCS students and free arts programs for more than 4,000 Detroit children through the College's Community Arts Partnerships. Attendance was at an all-time high of 727.

"The record-setting generosity of the sponsors and this community will enable and inspire the next generation of talented designers and artists so vital to our industry and region," the Barras said. "The College for Creative Studies is one of the crown jewels of our community, and we were truly honored to co-chair such a worthwhile endeavor."

Notable auction lots included a power lunch with Mary Barra; an exclusive VIP experience at the 2015 North American International Auto Show with Mary Barra and GM Vice President of Global Design Ed Welburn; a special lot of California and French first growths; and a tasting at the famous Arietta Winery in St. Helena, Calif.

"The funds raised have a powerful impact on the education of our students and young artists in Detroit," said Richard L. Rogers, president of CCS.

Auction guests gathered in the lobby of the GM Vehicle Engineering Center in Warren where award-winning Cadillac concept vehicles were displayed. Featured Vintner Michael Martini of Louis M. Martini Winery carried on a tradition begun by his father, Louis P. Martini, who had been Honorary Chair of the third auction exactly 30 years before in 1984.

About College for Creative Studies:

Located in the heart of Detroit, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) educates artists and designers to be leaders in creative professions. A private, fully accredited college, CCS enrolls more than 1,400 students pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.

Students in the BFA program can major in Advertising: Copywriting, Advertising Design, Crafts, Entertainment Arts, Fashion Accessories Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Photography, Product Design and Transportation Design, in addition to a dual major Art Education program. Students in the MFA program can major in Color and Materials Design, Interaction Design, Interdisciplinary Design and Transportation Design. The College also offers non-credit courses in the visual arts through its Continuing Education programs and opportunities for youth through its Community Arts Partnerships programs.

SOURCE General Motors