Moved by the generosity of others, a donor is matching up to $25,000 in additional gifts pledged through Oct. 1!
Northwood University’s sold-out Auto Show Gala raised a record amount of more than $500,000, as guests turned a night of spirited bidding and spontaneous giving into a major investment in student scholarships on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Midland Country Club.
The evening’s most fiercely contested live auction items were the naming rights for Northwood’s Mall Walk street signs. Bidders gave $50,000 each for the North/South and East/West signs, raising $100,000 for scholarships in a matter of minutes.
The momentum carried into “Raise Your Hand,” Northwood’s signature scholarship appeal. Guests began challenging one another to give before the appeal officially started. By the time it began, they had already pledged more than $175,000.
“The generosity in that room was extraordinary,” said Vice President of Advancement Justin Marshall. “Our alumni, parents, community members, sponsors, corporate partners, and guests all understand the difference scholarship support can make for students, and they answered the call together. We are grateful to everyone who gave, bid, sponsored and helped make this a record-breaking night.”
Now in its 16th year, the Auto Show Gala brings Northwood supporters together during the annual Northwood University International Auto Show. Net proceeds support students through the Town & Campus Endowed Scholarship and the Alumni Legacy Endowed Scholarship, which help make a Northwood education possible for students who otherwise might not be able to attend.
This year, a donor has pledged an additional $25,000 matching challenge to encourage Northwood alumni who couldn’t make the event to join the gala’s efforts to raise new scholarship support.
“One donor was so moved by the generosity on display at Friday’s gala that they issued a challenge to those who couldn’t be there,” explained Senior Alumni and Engagement Officer Julie Adamczyk. “That donor has committed to matching up to $25,000 in new scholarship gifts through Oct. 1!”
To participate in the matching challenge, visit community.northwood.edu/g/nu-scholarships-alumni-match.
Northwood thanks the Auto Show Gala Committee, sponsors, donors and guests who made the evening possible, including 2026 lead sponsor CDK Global. More information about the event is available at northwood.edu/advancement/signature-events/auto-show-gala.
