Bridgestone Americas Keeps An Eye On DesignFive “Bridgestone Awards” to be presented at 2009 EyesOn Design Automotive Design Show
DETROIT, Mich. (June 15, 2009) — Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO), through its U.S. and Canadian OE Tire Sales Division, and the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund are once again proud sponsors of the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s (DIO) 2009 EyesOn Design Automotive Design Show.
The fundraising event – held Sunday, June 21 on the grounds of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich. – benefits the DIO in assisting and educating the blind and visually impaired. The design show is recognized as one of the largest and most complete vehicle displays assembled each year, attracting automotive designers, automotive decision makers and consumers from around the world. Historically, the exhibit has showcased more than 200 vehicles, including Indy 500 speedsters, stock cars, Formula One racers and hot rods.
“That we’re able to enjoy the striking lines and elegant contours of the world’s finest automobiles is a privilege we take for granted,” said Michael Martini, President, Original Equipment, U.S. & Canada Consumer Tire Sales Division, BATO. “The DIO is a remarkable organization that makes a difference in so many lives. We are proud champions of their cause.”
Martini explained that 2009 marks the eighth consecutive year BATO and the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund have sponsored the EyesOn Design fundraiser. Furthermore, it is the second year of a five-year commitment in which the company will continue its support for and presence at the annual Automotive Design Show.
Five awards – collectively “The Bridgestone Awards” – will be presented at this year’s event. Crafted by distinguished American crystal designer Steven V. Correia, the awards are crystal sculptures that capture the precision, clarity and reflectivity of the relationship between automotive design and the gift of sight. Judging is accomplished by automotive designers and/or teams of active and retired designers from leading automotive and supplier companies.
Individually, the awards are:
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The Bridgestone Best in Show Award – Best example of design from among the more than 200 outstanding and diverse vehicles exhibited in the categories of design competition.
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The Bridgestone Honorary Chairman’s Award – Presented by the Honorary Chair to the vehicle he/she chooses as the most outstanding in the show
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The Bridgestone Visionaries Award – “Seeing” the vehicles with their hands, a team of visually-impaired or blind judges will select a vehicle based on their “hands-on” perception of the most interesting sculptural shape from among vehicles in a specifically designated category.
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The Bridgestone Preserving the Vision Award – Presented to a museum, business or an individual collector who by acquiring, restoring and preserving vehicles is conserving for future generations significant examples of classic automotive design.
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The Bridgestone Eye of the Artist Award – Awarded to one of the participating artists during the event.
Bridgestone signage will also be prominently displayed at this year’s benefit and special Bridgestone-brand lanyards will be worn by VIPs, volunteers and DIO staff members. For more information about the 2009 Eyes On Design Automotive Design Show, visit: www.eyesondesigncarshow.com.
Sponsorship of the 2009 Eyes On Design Automotive Design Show is made possible by a contribution from the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, the philanthropic arm of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM).
About the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund:
The Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, the philanthropic arm of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), is a charitable trust established in 1952 by The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, a predecessor to BSAM. It contributes millions annually to 501(c)(3) organizations in support of causes that champion children’s issues, education, and the environment and conservation
About Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is a business unit of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. Reporting into the BATO business unit are the company's Latin American tire operations, the U.S. and Canadian consumer tire businesses and the U.S. and Canadian commercial tire businesses. BATO develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The business unit is focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in the Americas. In addition, through its Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions unit, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing them with a total tire solution.
EyesOn Design is a fund-raising event for the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s programs addressing the needs of the blind and visually impaired. It also will be the sponsor of The Eye and The Auto World Congress which studies the relationship between vision and the safe operation of a motorized vehicle.
Contact and further information may be found at the www.eyesondesigncarshow.com Web site or by calling the DIO at 313-824-4710.
For sponsorship information, please contact Mike Powers at 248-760-6598 or mpowers@eyeson.org.