Charity has been at the heart of Barrett-Jackson since day one. Year after year, we have witnessed the giving hearts of those in our incredible collector car community, who never hesitate to help those who need it most.
We are humbled that, through our unique platform, Barrett-Jackson has helped raise over $162 million to date to support vital causes – the vast majority of which has been through the sale of some very special vehicles. That wouldn’t be possible without the remarkable generosity of the consignors that donate the charity vehicles or our bidders, who truly bid from the heart time and again – knowing that Barrett-Jackson waives all fees for these unique sales and that every penny of their winning bids will go directly to the designated nonprofit organizations.
Now, as the excitement builds for our 2025 Palm Beach event, the fantastic lineup of vehicles set to sell for worthy causes in Florida this year brings to mind unforgettable charity moments from past auctions.
One that stands out for me happened at the 2023 Palm Beach event. We’ve sold a lot of important Corvettes on our auction block, but the first retail production VIN 001 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ was a real game-changer. It was historic in so many ways – the fastest Corvette produced to date, the first with all-wheel drive and the first hybrid, featuring an electric motor in the front and a gasoline engine in the back. The world watched as the gavel came down on a $1.1 million bid from NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick, with an additional $50,000 donated by one of our generous VIP customers – all going to DonorsChoose, a nonprofit that helps public school teachers and students across the nation.
Rick has a long history of supporting charity cars at Barrett-Jackson. We recently celebrated his generosity at the 2025 Scottsdale Auction in January after his winning $3.7-million bid on the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 First Retail Production VIN 001 to support the American Red Cross. Rick’s legacy of philanthropy on our auction block is nothing short of incredible: He has contributed over $28 million to various causes through 39 charity vehicles sold on the Barrett-Jackson stage over the last 20 years.
John Staluppi, renowned for his Florida-based Cars of Dreams Museum, has long supported numerous worthy causes at the Barrett-Jackson auctions. John has been the winning bidder on the sale of over a dozen charity vehicles, resulting in more than $5 million going directly to important causes large and small. At the Palm Beach Auction in 2022, John was the winning bidder on a custom 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 6×6 pickup earmarked for charity. In an especially generous gesture, he donated the vehicle back to be sold for a second time, raising even more funds for the nonprofit organization. John and his wife Jeanette also frequently contribute additional donations to support the organizations after the hammer falls on other charity sales.
Longtime Barrett-Jackson friend Ron Pratte played a pivotal role in launching Barrett-Jackson’s charity car tradition, purchasing the very first OEM charity vehicle — a 2007 Ford GT500. This VIN 001 car sold for an astounding $600,000 at the 2006 Scottsdale event, marking the start of what would become a hallmark of Barrett-Jackson auctions. He continued his support by having the winning bid on the next charity car, a 2005 Ford GT VIN 003, at the 2006 Palm Beach Auction, which benefited the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation. Ron has also donated several vehicles to help incredible causes over the years. He is once again making a lasting impact at this year’s Palm Beach event by offering his 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse VIN 001, with 100% of the hammer price benefiting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This organization is committed to ending veteran homelessness and ensuring America never forgets September 11, 2001.
The Dark Horse will be among four incredible charity cars offered at the Palm Beach Auction. Set to benefit Social Change Fund United is a 2017 Ford F-250 Champions Edition pickup customized by RealTruck in collaboration with NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade. Pro football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis is bringing his 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 VIN 001 to support The Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation, which offers various educational, recreational, development and financial assistance programs for youth. A 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will benefit Hannah’s Home of South Florida, which helps homeless, pregnant women overcome adversity, find hope and live victoriously.
As each gavel falls on a charity vehicle, it serves as a reminder of how the incredibly generous collector car community unites to drive meaningful change – proving that a passion for cars can fuel something even greater. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Palm Beach Auction, where together, we’ll continue this incredible tradition of generosity and impact.
With Craig at the helm, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company is celebrating over 50 successful years in the collector car hobby. He is an avid car collector, award-winning restorer and racing enthusiast.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the Palm Beach Auction, where together, we’ll continue this incredible tradition of generosity and impact.