On Monday, January 9, 2017 Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation will be accepting a donation for $5,000 from the North American Car and Truck of the Year organization in honor of retired General Motors Design Vice President Ed Welburn for his design of a bold new trophy. On December 6, 2017 the North American Car of the Year jury revealed the all-new trophy created by Welburn to honor the most outstanding car, truck and utility vehicle of the year. In lieu of receiving a fee, he asked them to make a donation to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation.

"I did it for my love of design, the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the North American Car of the Year, and most important, to make a contribution to the Children's Hospital Foundation, an organization which means so much to Jessie and me," said Welburn.

“We are thankful to be the recipient of this donation. Ed Welburn is an international leader and pioneer in the automotive design field. His story is an inspiration to children and adults alike. We are grateful that he has chosen the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation to receive this generous donation,” said Lawrence J. Burns, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation.

Mark Phelan, President of NACTOY and Auto Critic and Columnist for the Detroit Free Press added, “NACTOY was delighted when Ed asked for a donation to be made to Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation. We are proud to help the Foundation and its mission.”

The presentation will be made during the announcement of the Car & Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 at 7am ET.

Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation

Established in 2003, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing the health and healthcare of the children of Michigan. This is accomplished through philanthropic support for pediatric medical education, research, and community benefit programs. The Foundation granted $6.6 million in 2016 for 131 vital pediatric health initiatives. The Foundation is an independent public charity governed by a community board and is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization. Learn more at www.chmfoundation.org.