VIPs Flock to Portland International Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview

Scott Inukai and Randi Inukai and LIndsey and Brian Holcomb

Portland, OR. Hundreds of nonprofit supporters had the VIP treatment at the Auto Show Sneak Peek Charity Preview on January 24th. Lindsey and Brian Holcomb joined Randi Inukai and her husband, Co-owner of Dick’s Auto Group, Scott Inukai at the gala. Last year, the event raised $610,000 for local nonprofits and organizers say they’re on target to raise even more this year. As the official kickoff of the Portland International Auto Show (PIAS), the Sneak Peek has raised over $3 million for deserving charities at the Oregon Convention Center over the past five years. (The auto show dates for the public are Thurs., Jan. 25th – Sun., Jan. 28th.) This year, the charities which benefited include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Meals on Wheels People; Victory Academy; the Brian Grant Foundation; The Dougy Center; and Self Enhancement Incorporated.

Dave Jachter, Greg Remensperger, and Bob Lanphere, Jr. helped kick off the festivities.

The charities help some of the most vulnerable citizens in the Portland area and the auto show is proud to support their efforts, says Greg Remensperger, executive director, PIAS. “You can’t ask for a better neighbor in your community than an auto show or auto dealership,” says Remensperger. “The auto industry has always been generous, and we are honored to help support these important organizations in their mission to serve.”

Melvin Broadous and Roger Batiste enjoyed the show.

Maura and John Becker pose with the Star Wars Storm Trooper display.

This 2019 BMW i8 Coupe is a plug-in hybrid. The price of the car will be announced later, but will likely start just below $150,000.

Rich and Katie Black, from Sponsor Oregon Community Credit Union, brought their Yorkie, Higgins.

Julie and Craig Nichols were on hand. The Nichols Law Group represents a variety of businesses throughout the Northwest. Since 1988, Craig has represented the Oregon Automobile Dealers Association and the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association.

Andie Petkus and Shaban Demirel check out the cars. Professional photographer Andie Petkus is used to being on the other side of the camera, but was out supporting the nonprofits at this event.

A host of sponsors donated food and beverages to the benefit.

Lisa Elorriaga, Lisa Handley, and Denise Gooding supported the local charities.

Some of the Ferraris on display have prices starting at $350,000.

In addition to hors d’oeuvres and full bar service on the auto show floor, the Sneak Peek offered a look at over 500 automobiles from the world’s automakers. The PIAS is the largest Auto Show in the Pacific Northwest, and the largest show held at the Oregon Convention Center.

Show dates and times for the remainder of the auto show are as follows:

Thurs., Jan. 25 10 am – 10 pm

Fri., Jan. 26 10 am – 10 pm

Sat., Jan. 27 10 am – 10 pm

Sun., Jan. 28 10 am – 7 pm

Ticket prices: Adults (13 and older) $12. Seniors $10. Military (with ID) $10. Children (7 – 12) $7

Here’s a link with more information: Portland International Auto Show (PIAS)

Donations can still be made to the charities including: Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Meals on Wheels People; Victory Academy; the Brian Grant Foundation; The Dougy Center; and Self Enhancement Incorporated.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.