"I have been to the car show and I've been to this charity event and this is definitely the way to go," said Bethany Gordon.
Chicago's auto dealers underwrite the cost of the extravaganza, inviting charities to simply sell tickets to their supporters and keep the proceeds.
"It's an easy sell, everyone wants to come to see these cars. It's a great show, one of the best events we have in the city, and people are excited to come year after year," said Ashley Summers, executive director of March of Dimes.
"We use this as our only black-tie gala, which is wonderful for us and a tremendous savings for the organization," said Carrie Provenzale, executive director of Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.
Dealers are pillars of local economies. Beyond getting consumers excited about all the new metal - including ABC7's new Storm Tracker LIVE broadcast vehicle - they said supporting people who make the dreams of other come true is priceless.
"We got 18 charities that are going to receive over $2.5 million and keep all that money right here in Chicago to take care of Chicagoans," said Mark McGrath Jr., chairman of the Chicago Auto Show.
The Chicago Auto Trade Association also gave away two vehicles. The first winner of that draw actually missed their chance to win a car; they weren't in the hall when their number was called.
The charity event also kicks off the public viewing that opens to the general public Saturday morning. There are some one thousand rides on the exhibit floors.
WATCH: Chairman of Chicago Auto Show talks about First Look for Charity
Auto Show chairman speaks with Ravi Baichwal
WATCH: Getting ready for the Chicago Auto Show First Look for Charity
Chciago Auto Show First Look for Charity
The Chicago Auto Show runs through Feb. 20.