DETROIT ~ The 2026 Detroit Auto Show Charity Preview once again underscored why it remains one of the region’s most valued traditions, combining glamour, industry leadership, and community purpose. The black‑tie gala at Huntington Place drew thousands to celebrate the city’s automotive heritage while generating vital support for six children’s charities across Southeast Michigan.
PODCAST:
Jan. 16, 2026 ~ Ryan Ermanni and Jamie Edmonds host 760 WJR‘s Charity Preview special live from the Ford Motor Company display at the Detroit Auto Show. Listen in on the excitement of this annual black‑tie event as major civic and industry leaders gather to raise funds for six children’s organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, The Children’s Center, and the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.
Guests on the program include: Ford Motor Company Executive Chair Bill Ford Jr.; Ford Motor Company Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley; Stellantis Chief Executive Officer Antonio Filosa; U.S. Senator Gary Peters; Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; Congressman Tim Walberg; Congressman John James; City of Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield; Michigan Senate Minority Leader Eric Nesbitt; former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan; Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson; Visit Detroit President & CEO Claude Molinari; Henry Ford Health President & CEO Bob Riney; The Parade Company President & CEO Tony Michaels; and Detroit Economic Club President & CEO Steve Grigorian, among others.
(CONTINUED) The evening’s excitement was carried live on 760 WJR, where hosts Ryan Ermanni and Jamie Edmonds broadcast from the Ford Motor Company display, welcoming civic leaders, business executives, and public officials throughout the night. Their conversations highlighted how deeply the event is woven into Detroit’s philanthropic culture. During the broadcast, Luanne Thomas‑Ewald, chief operating officer of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, underscored that purpose, explaining, “We’re here to make sure that [kids in the hospital] have the best technology, the best doctors, nurses, innovation… that’s what we use the money of tonight for.”
Guests from across Michigan’s business and government landscape echoed that spirit, reinforcing the connection between Detroit’s signature industry and its longstanding commitment to community. Leaders from Ford, Stellantis, General Motors, Detroit’s political leadership, and regional nonprofits joined the broadcast, illustrating the broad coalition that has kept the Charity Preview thriving for half a century.
Over its 50‑year run, the Auto Show Charity Preview has amassed more than $125 million for organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, The Children’s Center, The Children’s Foundation, Detroit PAL, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, and University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.
The Detroit Auto Show opens to the public Saturday, January 17, and continues through January 25. For schedules, tickets, and exhibit information, visit DetroitAutoShow.com.
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