LOS ANGELES ' In an event fitting for a legend, the Petersen Automotive Museum on May 10 will pay tribute to Robert E. Petersen for his generous gifts that will keep the Petersen Automotive Museum operating for decades to come.
Inspired by a lifelong dream of establishing an educational institution dedicated to the automobile, publishing magnate Robert E. Petersen and wife Margie donated more than $30 million to allow their namesake museum to establish financial independence as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
Petersen, who founded Hot Rod, Motor Trend and dozens of other popular publications, passed away in late March. He was 80.
"This world-renowned museum will stand as a living tribute to Mr. Petersen, a symbol of his life's work," said Alexandria Phillips, chairwoman of the board of directors for the Petersen Automotive Museum. "Thanks to him, the Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is self-sufficient financially and will be able to educate and delight the public for decades to come."
Automotive icon Carroll Shelby will chair the annual Cars & Stars Charity Gala on May 10 as a celebration of Petersen's life. The guest list includes VIPs from the automotive world, entertainment industry, politics, sports and business, and several hundred classic and collectible cars will be on display. Tickets for the gala are $500 per person, and the museum also welcomes any additional charity auction donations. For more information, call 323-964-6366.
