Submitted by Jake Welk, America’s Automotive Trust.
Tacoma – America’s Automotive Trust (AAT) held their 12th annual Wheels & Heels Gala this past weekend on Saturday, September 7. The Gala weekend, which is the climactic event of the year for AAT and its entities, saw more than 300 guests fly in from all over the world to LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington to experience an unforgettable evening of celebrating the heritage, evolution, and future of the automobile and automotive industry. The evening featured elegant décor, curated across the top floor of the Museum, with Sakura cherry blossom trees, colorful lighting and linens complimenting the extravagant Shinka Japanese Exhibit currently on display in the Museum’s Showcase Gallery. The Gala featured incredible live entertainment from the local Midnight Quintet and JazzRays Trio, as well as a gourmet dinner served by Tacoma’s own El Gaucho Restaurant, and the signature fireworks show to finish off the evening.
The highlight of the evening was the electric, high energy live auction and raise the paddle where the evening’s guests collectively raised over $1.1 million dollars for AAT and its entities. Items featured in the auction included luxurious vacations, wine dinners, artwork, and three different one-of-a-kind vehicles – a classic 1969 Plymouth Fury, a brand new electric Lyriq Cadillac SUV, and a powerful 2007 Saleen Mustang that sold for over $85,000. The incredible giving on display in the room during Saturday evening’s Gala supporters is crucial in helping fund the mission and vision of AAT and its entities, working to preserve car history and culture for future generations to experience and appreciate, as well as create educational opportunities for students, and provide future automotive apprentices and restorers with much needed grants and scholarships to aid them in their journey to a career in keeping the automotive industry alive and running.
The Gala also served as an opportunity to celebrate and honor several significant individuals in the car community, who AAT presented with prestigious awards for their contributions and accomplishments to the automotive world.
Jim Hall, American racing legend and creator of the revolutionary Chaparral sports cars received the The 2024 Edward T. Welburn Automotive Designer Award.
The Jay C. Ackley Master Craftsman Award went to Steve Babinsky, one of the nation’s top master craftsmen within the collector car community who’s stellar restorations have won numerous First in Class Awards at the Pebble Beach Concours d ’Elegance.
This year’s Nicola Bulgari Award was given to Sandra Button, who serves as Chairman of the Pebble Beach Concours d ’Elegance, is recognized as one of the most important persons in the collector car world with wide-ranging involvements in the most prestigious international automotive events.
The Hagerty Master Collector Award recipient was presented to Stephen T. Rimmer, founder of Dirtfish Rally School located in Snoqualmie, Washington and owner of one of the most significant private collections of rally cars in the world.
