Kathy Shayna Shocket rides along with Craig Jackson to get the Drive the Dream scoop.
Craig Jackson, the CEO and chairman of Barrett-Jackson is steadfastly in the driver’s seat. He’s built Barrett-Jackson into the world’s leading collector car auction and automotive lifestyle event, now successful in four destinations. “We’re so honored that our loyal enthusiasts have been a part of our growth for 40 years,” he says.
However, beneath Jackson’s often laidback manner, he’s a workaholic and a visionary. Under his direction, Barrett-Jackson has evolved beyond Scottsdale, with weeklong events in Palm Beach, Orange County and Las Vegas. And he’s molded the auction into a multimedia extravaganza. As the hundreds of classics, hot rods and muscle cars cross the auction block, for example, the bidding excitement is captured on the SPEED channel with nearly 22 hours of live national television coverage.
But meaningfully woven into his fast-paced schedule is a determination to make a philanthropic difference. In fact, he’s a driving force behind the upcoming Jan. 15 fundraiser for Childhelp, the nonprofit organization committed to fighting child abuse. In Jackson’s unique partnership with Childhelp, the Drive the Dream Gala has raised millions of dollars for the charity’s coffers. Held on the grounds of WestWorld in Scottsdale, gala guests have the chance to preview the classic and exotic collector cars. The dinner soiree typically attracts a who’s who crowd including Childhelp’s celebrity ambassadors, actors Cheryl Ladd, Jane Seymour, Kathie Lee Gifford and John O’Hurley. This year’s theme is planned around cars, stars and cowboys.
In addition to his work with Childhelp and other charitable efforts, Jackson recently established the Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund in memory of Russ and Brian Jackson. It’s Jackson’s way of commemorating his father, Russ, and brother, Brian, and raising funds to help fight the disease that took their lives. In an effort to support colon cancer research, Jackson and Colorado businessman and car collector, Rick Holland, agreed to help raise $1 million through a matching fund program for Translational Genomics Research Institute Foundation (TGen) in 2009. “Giving back to the community is a vital part of the Barrett-Jackson experience and family philosophy,” Jackson says.
The Barrett-Jackson philanthropic philosophy has also impacted other Phoenix nonprofits like Liberty Wildlife. In fact, at its annual fundraiser this year, the organization bestowed Jackson with the honor of releasing a rescued and rehabilitated great horned owl into the freedom of the Arizona sky. The release was particularly emotional for Jackson, as the gesture was in memory of
his late mother, Nellie.
To Learn More:
The Drive the Dream Gala on Jan. 15 kicks off the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car event in Scottsdale, taking place Jan. 17-23. Gala tickets start at $1,000 per person. For more information on the Drive the Dream Gala, which is co-hosted by Barrett-Jackson and Childhelp, visit www.childhelp.org or call 480.922.8212.
Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Reporter, Photographer and TV-Field Producer based in Phoenix. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
