SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala, Pinewood Drag Races to Benefit Children's Charities

During the Installation Banquet's sit-down dinner, the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame members are introduced and the newly elected SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in.

2011 SEMA Person of the Year John Menzler officiated last year's Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors.

Hundreds of leaders and professionals from the specialty-equipment industry will gather to honor noteworthy icons and volunteers during the 2012 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. The annual event serves as the industry's premier celebration where the newly elected Board of Directors are sworn in and SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced for the first time.

"While the products and customizing trends take center stage at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the SEMA Installation Banquet is a time to shine the light on the people and volunteers who make this industry a success," said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. "This is truly a unique event where we honor and thank our industry’s leaders.”

All industry professionals are invited to attend the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. The event begins with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., where attendees are able to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities. During the sit-down dinner that follows, the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame members are introduced, and the newly elected SEMA Board of Directors are sworn in. Both the new Hall of Fame members and new Board members will be announced in the near future.

Tickets and information are available at www.sema.org/galatix, or from Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org, 909/978-6684. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit two children's charities: Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction Camp provides the camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses who otherwise would not be able to go to camp.

Also benefitting Childhelp and Victory Junction Camp is the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors. Taking place at 12:00 p.m. that same day, the event includes four categories. In addition to three levels in which individuals may build and submit pinewood cars, there is also a “Build It for Me” category where individuals may sponsor a car that was built by a child. Register online.