GM and Stellantis’ Ram brand continue Big 3 tradition of donating vehicles for charitable auctions supporting United Way
Published on March 24, 2021 in Crisis Relief
It’s a tradition that can’t be stopped, and now, it’s more important than ever. This month, General Motors and Ram will continue the Big 3’s history of raising funds at the auction block to support United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the essential services provided throughout the region.
Both manufacturers have donated special vehicles to be auctioned off during the Barrett Jackson Scottsdale Auction in Arizona on March 26. One hundred percent of the hammer price will benefit United Way’s continued efforts to help families in our region meet their basic needs.
Proceeds from the Corvette will continue GM’s longstanding commitment to supporting United Way’s work to help families in our region reach stability.
REDUCING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT In Detroit
First up on the auction block is a car from our partner General Motors that is sure to excite sports car enthusiasts.
The first retail production of the all-new 2020 mid-engine Chevrolet C8 Corvette convertible is also the most powerful production Stingray ever. This Corvette is powered by GM’s all new 6.2 liter LT2 V8 engine, which puts out 495 horsepower and 470 ft. lbs of torque and has been specially engineered to sit lower for improved handling in the eighth generation Corvette’s mid-engine configuration.
Proceeds from the Corvette will continue GM’s longstanding commitment to supporting United Way’s work to help families in our region reach stability. Specifically, the auction will support Ride United’s efforts to bridge the transportation gap for Detroiters seeking to obtain and maintain employment.
“The important work of United Way for Southeastern Michigan has been more valuable than ever this past year as they have provided dozens of critical services to help families meet their basic needs during this difficult time,” said Terry Rhadigan, executive director of Corporate Giving at GM. “General Motors has partnered with United Way for decades to support Metro Detroit families, and we’re proud to find one more way to support this important work.”
Stellantis’ Ram brand is auctioning off a truck lover’s dream: a 2021 Ram 1500 TRX with VIN No. 001 one of only 702 units of this special launch edition built in Sterling Heights.
HELPING VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Stellantis’ Ram brand is auctioning off a truck lover’s dream: a 2021 Ram 1500 TRX with VIN No. 001 one of only 702 units of this special launch edition built in Sterling Heights. This limited edition pickup is equipped with a supercharged 6.2 liter Hemi® V8 pumping out 702 horsepower and 650 ft. lbs of torque with a 0 60 time of 4.5 seconds. When it debuted, this truck sold out in three hours.
Proceeds from the vehicle will support our 2-1-1 helpline, which annually serves thousands of veterans and their families by connecting them to needed community resources.
“We expect this first production Ram 1500 TRX to raise significant funds that will go directly to the United Way for the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 2-1-1 helpline to provide services to veterans and their families,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram Brand Chief Executive Officer –– Stellantis. “At Ram, we offer unique ‘Built to Serve’ editions of our Ram 1500 pickup as a way to honor all those who serve or have served in the U.S. armed forces with distinction. This is an important mission at Ram, and this auction is another way we can honor our veterans.”
In 2019, Ford auctioned off a Ford GT Heritage Edition car at Barrett-Jackson, netting $2.5 million for United Way. It’s one of multiple cars that Ford, GM and Stellantis have donated to support our mission over the past 12 years.
A Big 3 Tradition
General Motors, Stellantis and Ford Motor Company have a longstanding commitment to raising funds through vehicle donations, raising nearly $6 million for United Way through vehicle auctions since 2009. That includes the Corvette ZR 1, COPO Camaro and rare 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition, among others.
“So many of our neighbors are struggling, especially right now as we continue to battle COVID-19,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president, and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We’re serving more than 114,000 in-crisis individuals every year through our 2-1-1 emergency response line. These partnerships allow us to be able to fight for access for food pantries, emergency shelters and COVID 19 resources throughout Southeastern Michigan. The work we’re doing and the impact we’re making across the region wouldn’t be possible without partners like GM and Ram.”