``It's for the Children'' Program Adds Value to the Lives of Inner City Detroit Children.

Business Editors, Automotive & Feature Writers

SAE 2000

DETROIT--(AutomotiveWire)--March 8, 2000

Adding value to life through technology and advanced mobility is the high-tech theme behind the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International 2000 World Congress now being held at Cobo Center Detroit.

Behind the scenes however, the show is also the platform for a new, innovative program -- "Its for the Children," -- designed to add value to the lives of inner city children in the Detroit Area.

The program was developed by The Facet Company, an international trade show marketing company based in Plymouth, Michigan. "Trade shows, generate vast amounts of waste," explains Facet's owner, British-born marketing consultant Christine Ellis. "It is often just not cost effective for exhibitors and particularly international exhibitors to return ship excess show materials such as brochures, graphics, giveaways, press kits, stationery and literature - so they are often left behind on the show floor. Our program is designed to collect those materials during dismantle and donate them to inner city schools and non-profit organizations to build awareness and help educate children.

Ellis also had a charitable group in mind to receive the goods and put them to use. For several years, her company has helped support St. Christopher House, an east side Detroit non-profit organization that provides after-school and weekend activities for children.

A parent of two young children, Ellis is a practical person who sees helping today's kids as a way to make society better. "The leftover materials will be used for a variety of things," she said. "For example, press materials are generally printed on front sides of paper only. The backsides can be used for drawings or in art projects. Brochures can be cut up for art projects or used to build awareness about Detroit and the international auto industry. Giveaways will be used for prizes for attendance, participation in a program or for work well done. The backsides of graphics can be used for mounting of artwork or cut up for arts and crafts projects."

The main sponsor of the program is Bielomatik Inc. a manufacturer of factory automation systems for the welding of plastic components. "I hope the exhibitors pay attention to this program" comments Frank Buck, President of Bielomatik. The automotive industry needs good engineers worldwide. What better way to educate and motivate inner city children to the opportunities available to them? The program has my full backing and I hope it is a success."

Over 2000 flyers will be distributed to exhibitors on the last day of the show. The flyer incorporates an endorsement from Patrick O. Lindsey, Community Relations Specialist, DaimlerChrysler. "There are thousands of children in the City of Detroit who are living below the poverty line. That's why I urge you to help support this SAE 2000 show initiative."

Ellis has lined up volunteers and support from some of her company's business partners, including, the Tantara Group who are providing containers and transportation, Foto 1 Imaging who have generously printed all the flyers, banners and display graphics and Donald E. McNabb Co. and Convention and Show Services who have made financial contributions. Business Wire, the international media relations wire service, is the official wire service for "It's for the Children."

Sam Barill, SAE World Congress Exhibit Manager, and his show management team are fully supportive of the program. The program has also been supported by Lou Pavledes, Director of Cobo Exhibition Center "It's for the Children" is a great idea to re-use the tons of materials from SAE," he said. "I want to consider doing the same thing for all the major shows at our center. It's not just environmentally sound, but a useful way to have kids benefit from the great industry we have."

"We had planned to launch this program last year," explains Ellis, "but it was cancelled due to the fire at Cobo Hall. This year, we have a lot more support and interest, especially from the local unions and the exhibitors, so I'm hoping all goes well." Asked why she has this philanthropic bent, Ellis states "My hometown is Liverpool in England. The city and the people are very much like Detroit. I don't think companies should be isolated from their environments. Opening children's eyes and making them aware of the global opportunities available to them in the automotive industry is a good way to start."

For information on contributing to "It's for the Children" program, contact Christine Ellis at The Facet Company: [e-mail] Tel: [phone] or Melvin Frazier @ St. Christopher House: Tel: [phone]