Rob Johnson CBS 2 News Anchor Is Back To Host 2008 Geneva Concours d'Elegance Black-Tie Gala
"Elegance Memories" is the theme of the 2008 Geneva Concours d'Elegance Gala Dinner at Isabella's Estiatorio downtown Geneva. Each year, the Concours d'Elegance chooses a worthwhile cause to support, and this year, proceeds from this event will benefit the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

/Recreational Vehicles News Articles/ - GENEVA, IL, August 01, 2008 - Rob Johnson, Chicago's co-anchor of CBS 2's 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM weekday newscasts has been named as the official Emcee for the Geneva Concours d'Elegance Gala on Saturday, August 23 with cocktails at 6pm.

Johnson joined CBS 2 in August 2006 from WLS-TV where he worked since 1998 as weekend anchor and reporter. He has won two Emmy Awards, including one for Best News Anchor in 2005. He has also garnered awards from the Chicago Headline Club, Associated Press, Houston Press Club, Society for Professional Journalists, and Illinois National Guard. A resident of the western suburbs, Johnson also dedicates much of his personal time to organizations that support people with disabilities.

"Elegance Memories" is the theme of the 2008 Geneva Concours d'Elegance Gala Dinner at Isabella's Estiatorio downtown Geneva. Each year, the Concours d'Elegance chooses a worthwhile cause to support, and this year, proceeds from this event will benefit the American Diabetes Association (ADA). "I am thrilled to return to the Concours again this year. I look forward to seeing many familiar faces, and raising even more money for the ADA." said Johnson.

This gala kicks off at 6pm with cocktails and outstanding cuisine from chefs at Isabella's Estiatorio at 7:30pm. In addition, Mary Agnes Zellmer, Concours Gala Director has lined up the evening with a silent auction offering items for both the car enthusiast and the philanthropic supporter. Guests will also enjoy Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Margaret Carlson and an exclusive showing of classic automobiles on Fourth Street, downtown Geneva. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Diabetes Camps in the state of Illinois. Dinner tickets are available at $200 per person and can be obtained by calling Mary Agnes Zellmer at 630-479-8116.

A Carl Benz Commitment to the Cause Award is awarded at the gala every year to an individual that has shown a high level of commitment to both diabetes and the Geneva Concours. This year's recipient is Ron Strenge of Force Enterprises. His daughter, a Geneva resident, Andrea Preston said "I am honored my father is receiving this award because my parents had a child with a disability and understand the difficulty a disability can present. My father has always reached out to help where ever he can, giving back is a way of life for our family."

"Each year, the Concours Gala benefits a local charity, and this year all funds will stay in the Northern Illinois area helping children and adults with diabetes," said Zellmer. For businesses wanting to support this event and gain attention from the thousands in attendance, sponsorship opportunities are still available. "It is a rare opportunity for dialogue between the leaders, influencers, trendsetters and opinion makers in the automotive world. And this is an opportunity for sponsors to entertain clients and see and be seen for potential new business opportunities," said Zellmer. For a list of sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at sponsorship@genevaconcours.net

The cars take center stage the next day starting at 10am. Concours Director and Registrar, John Barrett, has owned and raced vintage cars and has been involved with the Concours for years. "This event is good for the area and really showcases the top level of automobiles that have been restored to their original glory," he said. This is a judged event, and cars will receive scores by a qualified panel of judges. "The craftsmanship on these cars is incredible and the individuals or teams that work on them are proud to show the cars off to those who stop by," he added.

Traditionally, vehicle judging at a Concours d'Elegance is much more demanding than a
neighborhood or general car show. Trained judges examine the vehicle thoroughly and in its entirety, rating each and every component considered trophy class. At this Concours, "best of the best" are awarded the beautiful "Carl F. Benz trophy".

The Geneva Concours d'Elegance has been attracting thousands of spectators yearly since its inception in 2004. This year would not be an exception with its featured marque, the Pierce Arrow, best known for it's expensive luxury cars.

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