Los Angeles, Calif., Aug. 14, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Petersen will host a fundraising gala on October 18, 2014, to celebrate its 20th anniversary and mark the museum's transformation into a Los Angeles architectural icon packed with groundbreaking interior exhibits and cutting-edge technology. Titled "Bold Moves: The New Petersen," the gala will recognize a trio of visionaries: Ford Motor Company Executive Vice President Jim Farley; publishing magnate Keith Crain, Editor-in-Chief of Automotive News, Autoweek and several other outlets; and Beach Boys co-founder and lyricist, Mike Love.
"We have hosted a score of blockbuster fundraiser galas, but for our 20th anniversary - and the last gala in the 'old Petersen' - we wanted to do something special," said Terry Karges, Executive Director of the Petersen. "Last year we honored actor Patrick Dempsey, guitar legend Jeff Beck and pro driver Ken Block at our 'Race, Rock & Rally Gala.' This year's event promises to be even bigger as we honor three gentlemen whose automotive passions and careers are as diverse as our audience. The love of the automobile is the common thread that will bring us all together for one final Gala before we break ground on The Petersen's transformation into the greatest automotive museum in the country."
Receiving the Automotive Entrepreneur Award is Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln, Ford Motor Company. Since joining Ford in November 2007, Farley has led a drive to connect with customers through integrated global marketing, advertising, digital communications, brand development and research, reinforcing the company's position as a leader in the post-recession economy. He also has operating responsibility as Lincoln's senior global leader. Farley's achievements at Ford include overseeing the successful integration and launch of several global platform vehicles - including the Fusion, Fiesta and new Mustang. Prior to joining Ford, Farley was group vice president and general manager of Lexus, and he served as group vice president of Toyota Division marketing. One of Farley's most noted accomplishments is his responsibility for the successful launch and rollout of Toyota's Scion brand.
Keith Crain will receive the Automotive Journalism Award. Crain is chairman of Crain Communications Inc., one of the country's largest trade, consumer and business publishing companies and is Editor-in-Chief of Automotive News, Autoweek and Crain's Detroit Business. Leading the company his father founded in 1916, Crain has been at the helm since 1971, growing it from four titles to more than 30. He uses his columns to address causes that concern Detroit and the automotive industry, and in 2014 he will be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. As a community leader, Crain is an active participant in a myriad of civic and business organizations, serving as chairman of the board of the College for Creative Studies, a college of fine arts and design, and he serves on the board of the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hospice of Michigan, Downtown Detroit Partnership and the Boy Scouts of America.
The recipient of the Automotive Spirit Award is Mike Love, an American musical legend, singer and songwriter who garnered worldwide fame as a member of The Beach Boys. He is a founding member of the band and continues to write, record and perform as one of the band's primary lyricists, contributing to each of The Beach Boys' studio albums and number one Billboard singles. In the early 1960s, Love collaborated with cousin Brian Wilson and was lyricist on singles including "Little Deuce Coupe," "409," "California Girls" and "Good Vibrations." During this period, his lyrics reflected the youth culture of surfing, cars, and romance, contributing to car culture and pop culture's perception of the "California Dream." 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of "Fun, Fun, Fun", a song Mike co-wrote about a girl cruising around town in a Thunderbird, until "daddy took it away." The Beach Boys will be performing at the gala.
The fundraising gala, an evening of cocktails, dinner and entertainment, is known for its substantial auction that raises money to support the museum's educational programs. The museum hosts 15,000 school children per year on field trips. The Robert E. Petersen Free School Bus Program pays for the buses for underserved schools. This rare opportunity to mingle with a music legend, a publishing icon and one of the most influential auto industry leaders in the world is something you won't want to miss.
Details will soon be released on ticket pricing and entertainment. For more information visit www.Petersen.org or call 323-964-6370.
The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution. The Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, California 90036. Admission prices are $15 for general admission adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for students with ID, $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Museum members, active military with ID and children under five are admitted free. Vault tours are available for an additional $20, and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes and $2.00 each additional 30 minutes. One hour validation with purchase of $20 or more in the Museum Store or Johnny Rockets located in the museum lobby. The museum is open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm. For general Museum information, call 323/930-CARS or visit the Museum's Web site at: www.petersen.org.