Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction becomes a gathering place of high-profile celebrities
Industry icons and other luminaries raise millions for charity through the power of the Barrett-Jackson auction block
The automotive lifestyle event turns the desert into a star-studded party
Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, has become the gathering place of celebrities, sports stars, captains of industry and other luminaries to meet and raise money for charity. Almost $3 million dollars has already been raised for worthy causes by an incredible group of superstars at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Ariz. More celebrity-connected vehicles are set to cross the block over the next two days.
“Barrett-Jackson has evolved into the ultimate celebration of the high-octane lifestyle,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Much like the Formula One circuit, Kentucky Derby and the Superbowl, Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale attracts some of the brightest stars on the movie screen, on the playing court and field, as well as the corporate world.”
Some of the biggest names include four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, TV star Richard Rawlings, actress Sharon Stone, NFL star Patrick Petersen, and local businessman Ron Pratte. The list of luminaries who have attended this year’s event also include:
Michael Anthony
Sheriff Joe Arpaio
Alice Cooper
Shane Doane
Jacoby Ellsbury
CeeLo Green
Chip Ganassi
Rick Hendrick
Reggie Jackson
Sterling Moss
Actor Frankie Muniz
Don Prudhomme
Bobby Rahal
John Schneider
Bill Simpson
Paul Teutel
Linda Vaughn
In addition to those top names, Ford Motor Company CEO Mark Fields and Doug Ducey, governor of Arizona has also been onsite.
During the first few days of the auction, four cars have direct connections to these celebrities. Sharon Stone and Linda Vaughn sold a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst Coupe (Lot# 3004) for $140,000 with all proceeds benefitting the cancer research fund at TGEN in memory of Russ and Brian Jackson. Bubba Watson sold a custom 1939 Cadillac LaSalle C-Hawk Custom Roadster (Lot# 3005) for $410,000 to benefit Birdies for the Brave, which helps American veterans. A 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR Busch Series stock car from the legendary duo of Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham (Lot# 3007) secured $500,000 for the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation.
Manufacturers are also a big part of the auction’s fundraising activities. General Motors donated the first retail 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible (Lot #3006), which raised $800,000 for United Way, and the retail production unit 2016 Cadillac CTS-V (Lot #3003) brought $410,000 for the College for Creative Studies. A 2015 BMW 30th Anniversary M5 - Special Edition (Lot# 3002) purchased by racing powerhouse Rick Hendrick for $700,000 to benefit the non-profit BMW Car Club of America Foundation, which has an active “Street Survival” teen driving program. Ford’s donation of the first production unit of the new generation Shelby GT350 (Lot #3008) will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Ron Pratte will auction his incredible 1950 GM Futurliner (Lot #2501) to benefit the Armed Forces Foundation. Pratte, a Vietnam Veteran, chose to benefit AFF as it was established to protect and promote the physical, mental and emotional wellness of military service members, veterans and their families.
“Not only do the rich and famous come here to rub shoulders with their peers, they also leverage the incredible international power of the Barrett-Jackson brand to raise money for great causes,” said Jackson. “We’re humbled to have the opportunity to join them and have such a positive impact on the lives of so many.”
For more information on becoming a bidder, follow the link to http://www.barrett-jackson.com/Bidder/Home.
