Provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, a FIAT 500L – used by Pope Francis during his historic visit to Philadelphia last September – was auctioned to the public tonight at the Philadelphia Auto Show Black Tie Tailgate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
In a highly competitive in-person and remote auction, “Pope Francis’ Philly FIAT” was secured by Michael and Kate Chapman of Chapman Auto Stores. Mr. Chapman is a former Chairman of the Philadelphia Auto Show. The winning bid was $82,000. Conducted by Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Co., the auction featured more than 19 bidders from across the United States and lasted just 11 minutes.
“What a magnificent spirit of generosity we witnessed this evening,” said Bishop John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. “To be able to auction the Papal FIAT in such a spirited environment while knowing that this incredible outcome allows us to spread Pope Francis’ message of love and care in a concrete way by supporting the charitable works of the Archdiocese is most gratifying. We extend a special thank you to the Philadelphia Auto Show and the Black Tie Tailgate for welcoming us here this evening and helping us to make this moment possible.”
The two FIAT 500Ls at the 2016 Philadelphia Auto Show were made available by FCA US LLC (“FIAT Chrysler”) for use in Philadelphia for the Papal visit to the United States. The United States Secret Service (USSS) provided the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) of the vehicles used by the Holy Father in Philadelphia. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia confirmed that the VINs on the vehicles donated by FIAT Chrysler match the VINs identified by the USSS. While one of the FIAT 500Ls was auctioned, the second FIAT 500L used by Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia remains on display to the general public for the duration of the Philadelphia Auto Show (Saturday, January 30 – Sunday, February 7).
“How wonderful is it that the return of ‘Pope Francis’ Philly FIAT’ has left such an indelible mark, both in our city and in our lives,” said Donna Crilley Farrell, Executive Director of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015. “We are grateful to our winning bidder, Michael and Kate Chapman of Chapman Auto stores, and we are so heartened by the fact that this extraordinary gift will go on to enrich the lives of so many individuals in the name of our Holy Father.”
While the Black Tie Tailgate supports The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation as its annual tradition, the proceeds from the auction of “Pope Francis’ Philly FIAT” will benefit four missions of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including 50 percent of the proceeds benefitting Catholic Charities Appeal, and the remaining 50 percent will be broken evenly amongst Mercy Hospice, Casa Del Carmen, and Schools of Special Education.
To purchase tickets to the Philadelphia Auto Show (January 30 – February 7), please visit phillyautoshow.com.
For more information about the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the non-profit organizations set to benefit from the auction of the Papal Fiat, please visit http://archphila.org/. For more information regarding the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, please visit http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/. For additional information regarding the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 official commemorative book and DVD, please visit: http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/get-involved/keepsake-book-commemorative-dvd/
About the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Founded in 1808, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is comprised of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia County in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the spiritual home for over 1.4 million Catholics in the region in 219 parishes. Through its parish elementary schools, high schools, and schools of special education, the Archdiocese molds tomorrow’s leaders through innovative 21st century learning programs. Through the ministries of Catholic Social Services, it provides care for over 200,000 members of the community who are most in need each year who come from a broad array of faith backgrounds.
About the World Meetings of Families
Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). Since its inception by Saint John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe.
About the Black Tie Tailgate and the Philadelphia Auto Show
The 2016 Black Tie Tailgate on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, is produced by the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation. Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment while getting a preview of the Show. Through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, the Black Tie Tailgate proceeds benefit the Division of Neurology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Total giving since 1986 surpasses $6.3 million. Black Tie Tailgate tickets are $225 per person and can be purchased at www.phillyautoshow.com/bttg.
The 2016 Philadelphia Auto Show, produced and owned by the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia, rolls into the Pennsylvania Convention Center Jan. 30 to Feb. 7. This year's event will feature 700 vehicles from more than 40 worldwide manufacturers. Highlights include an array of pre-production, hot production, classic, luxury, and exotic models. Ticket prices range from $7 to $14. For more information, visit phillyautoshow.com
Sponsors of the 2016 Black Tie Tailgate
Grand Sponsors: Lexus and Mercedes-Benz; Platinum Sponsors: Audi, Subaru and Toyota; Gold Sponsors: 6abc, Anabus, Aramark/SFS, Automotive Training Center, Buick GMC, Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram/FIAT, Comcast Spotlight, Quality Plus Ford Dealers, Delaware Valley Honda Dealers, Hyundai Motors America, Kia Motors America, Lincoln Technical Institute, Nissan North America, Philadelphia magazine, Philadelphia Media Network, Philadelphia Delaware and Southern NJ Porsche Dealers, Local Area Volkswagen Dealers; Silver Sponsors: Acura, Axalta Coating Systems, Berkadia, Biogen, Bozeken, Comcast SportsNet, ESSA Bank & Trust, Fox Rothschild LLP, Maxim Automotive, Mazda North America, PNC, UpcomingEvents.com and Zurich.
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