Hundreds to Honor Leaders, Volunteers at SEMA Gala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Della Domingo
909-978-6723
dellad@sema.org

HUNDREDS TO HONOR LEADERS, VOLUNTEERS AT SEMA GALA
-- Annual gathering recognizes new SEMA Hall of Fame and Board members --

Diamond Bar, Calif. (April 23, 2012) - Hundreds of leaders and professionals from the SEMA industry will gather to honor noteworthy icons and volunteers during the 2012 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser on Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Convention Center in Pomona, California. The annual event serves as the industry's premier celebration where 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 6:30 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 during the program. Both the new Hall of Fame members and the 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 Gang Camp. Childhelp assists abused and neglected children by providing counseling and programs in a safe and secure living environment. Victory Junction Gang Camps provide 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 Gang Camp is the SEMA Cares Pinewood Drag Races, presented by eBay Motors. Taking place at 12:00 noon that same day, the event includes four categories for supporters to select from. In addition to three levels 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. Online registration is available at: http://www.sema.org/sema-cares/pinewood.


About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $29.99 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,383 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.