Attendance for the 2012 North American International Auto Show Charity Preview in Detroit is edging its way back to pre-recession (and pre-bailout) rates, officials say.

"We are seeing a decidedly upbeat industry, and all the excitement is focused on the North American International Auto Show, right here in 'The D,'" said Bill Perkins, Detroit auto show chairman.

NAIAS officials report ticket sales for the Jan. 13 black-tie gala, which gives attendees a chance to see new cars and trucks before the show opens to the public, are already up 20 percent from the same time last year.

Tickets for Charity Preview are $250. Proceeds for the event, which usually features the region’s top business, political and community leaders, support a group of Metro Detroit nonprofit organizations to benefit children.

"The fact that Charity Preview ticket sales are already up 20 percent with just under a month to go is a pretty strong indicator of what's to come," Perkins said.

Nearly 10,700 people attended the 2011 event that raised $2,660,000. If ticket sales for the 2012 Charity Preview continue to increase at a pace of 20 percent, the event would raise more than $2.7 million.

Beneficiaries of the 2012 Charity Preview include Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit, The Children's Center, Judson Center, the Detroit Institute for Children, Think Detroit PAL, March of Dimes, Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, and the DADA Charitable Foundation Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

Since 1976, the NAIAS Charity Preview has raised over $84 million for southeast Michigan children's charities - over $33 million of which was raised in the last seven years alone.

Charity Preview tickets can be purchased on-line now at charitypreview.com.

The 2012 NAIAS is open to the public from Jan. 14-22. Adult tickets are $12; senior citizens and children 7 to 12 years old are $6; and children 6 and under are free.

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