Los Angeles, Calif., June 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Petersen Automotive Museum will host its annual fundraising gala on October 24, 2013 and this year's event is set to be the most exciting in the museum's history. The "Race, Rock 'n Rally" Gala will recognize a trio of all-stars: the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor and race car driver, Patrick Dempsey, Grammy winning guitarist and car lover, Jeff Beck and World Rally Championship driver and internet sensation, Ken Block.
"This year's gala continues a long tradition of blockbuster Petersen fundraisers," said Terry Karges, Executive Director of the Petersen. "Last year we honored two-time Oscar-winner John Lasseter and funnyman Adam Carolla at our 'Comedy and Cars 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 brings us all together."
Patrick Dempsey, a dedicated, multi-talented race car driver who also happens to be an Emmy award nominated actor, is known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy, Sweet Home Alabama and Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Dempsey has competed in many notable races, including 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. Previously a co-owner of the Vision Racing IndyCar Series Team, he currently owns Dempsey Racing competing in the American Le Mans Series in a Porsche 911 GT3.
Jeff Beck, one of the world's preeminent English rock guitarists, is a seven-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member. Ranked fifth on Rolling Stone's list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time," Beck has been described by the magazine as "one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock." His passion for cars dates back to his youth, when he fell in love with American hot rods and rock and roll. His collection includes a replica of the 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe featured in the film, American Graffiti and a '59 Corvette resto-mod.
Ken Block, co-founder of DC shoes, is a hugely successful professional rally driver with Hoonigan Racing Division (formerly known as Monster World Rally Team) and is known for his extraordinary Gymkhana series of videos on the internet, which as a series has received over a quarter billion total views. Applauded for reaching a younger crowd of automotive enthusiasts, Block has helped put the sport of rally on the map and has medaled at three of the four X Games he has competed in.
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 rock legend, an A-list actor-racer and a stunt-driving race car star is something you won't want to miss.
Details will soon be released on ticket pricing and entertainment. For more information visit www.Petersen.orgor 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 $12 for general admission adults, $8 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 $25, 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. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. For general Museum information, call 323/930-CARS or visit the Museum's Web site at: www.petersen.org.
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