CNN to Donate Proceeds of
‘Overhauled’ Hummer Auction
to Fisher House

Overhauled CNN Military Hummer
to take 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson
Auction by Storm

For Release: Oct. 12, 2006

CNN to Donate Proceeds of
‘Overhauled’ Hummer Auction
to Fisher House

TLC’s Overhaulin’ Unveiled Restored Iraq War Vehicle Today
in Front of CNN Center in Atlanta

Following the unveiling of an overhauled CNN Hummer that saw action during the war in Iraq, the network plans to put the vehicle on the auction block and donate the proceeds to the Fisher House Foundation, an organization that builds “comfort homes” for families of hospitalized military personnel.

Nicknamed “Warrior One,” the Hummer will be the subject of an upcoming episode of Overhaulin’, a highly rated program on The Learning Channel. The program’s
co-hosts Chris Jacobs and Adrienne “A.J.” Janic and hot rod designer Chip Foose presented the refurbished Hummer to CNN employees this morning.

After Warrior One’s tour of military bases and other sites across the country, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., a premiere classic car auction house, will auction the vehicle on Jan. 20, 2007, at the auction company’s headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“The crew from Overhaulin’ has created a memorable tribute to military personnel who serve during times of war and the journalists who cover them,” said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. “We feel the Fisher House – with its mission to support military families during times of medical need – is an ideal recipient for the proceeds raised by the auction.”

“We are delighted to learn of CNN’s efforts to honor America ’s heroes – its service men and women wounded in the global war on terrorism,” Fisher House Foundation chairman Ken Fisher said. “The visibility that will result from this initiative will help Americans understand the selfless sacrifices of the men and women who risk their lives to defend and protect us.”

Fisher Houses provide temporary residences for families of patients receiving major medical care at military and Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. Since its founding in 1991, Fisher Houses have offered more than 2 million days of lodging to more than 100,000 families. Presently, the organization operates 35 houses in 16 states, plus two houses in Europe .

Network producers, video journalists and correspondents used the vehicle when they were embedded with the First Battalion, 7th Marines in the war in Iraq in 2003. The vehicle came under heavy fire near Baghdad in April 2003.

This summer, Overhaulin’ took the Hummer to the show’s workshop in Irvine, Calif. Crews overhauled the Hummer’s engine and body and installed an extensive entertainment system that includes a DVD player, four LCD monitors and a state-of-the-art sound system. Airbrush artists Dru Blaier, Mickey Harris and Mike Lavallee painted images of journalists and military men and women onto the vehicle as a tribute to those who served during the war in Iraq or covered the war.

The Overhaulin’ program featuring the Hummer will premiere on TLC on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT).

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world’s most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, an on-demand broadband video service; CNN Newsource, the world’s most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and one Website.

CONTACT:

Laurie Goldberg
Atlanta 404/827-1547
laurie.goldberg@cnn.com

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Overhauled CNN Military Hummer
to take 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson
Auction by Storm

Proceeds From The Battle-Tested SUV
Will Benefit The Fisher House Foundation

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - November 20, 2006 - Following a brave tour of duty in the Iraq War and a wild Overhaulin' by Chip Foose and his partners on The Learning Channel, a one-off CNN Hummer will be sold for charity at No Reserve during the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from Jan. 13-21, 2007, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Nicknamed "Warrior One," the custom SUV was unveiled before a host of CNN employees on October 12, 2006.

Proceeds from the sale of the Hummer will be donated to The Fisher House Foundation, a group that builds "comfort homes" for families of hospitalized military personnel. Hailed as "The World's Greatest Collector Car Events™", the auction will feature more than 1,100 of the world's finest collector automobiles, attract over 225,000 visitors and be featured on SPEED with 40 hours of live coverage.

"The CNN Hummer will be one of the most historic, inspiring vehicles to ever cross the block at a Barrett-Jackson auction," said Craig Jackson, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "This machine served with America's brave soldiers in Iraq, and now it will help fund an amazing organization that supports the families of wounded soldiers. The future owner of this Hummer will capture a commemorative gem to add to their automotive collection."

CNN officials purchased the Hummer in Kuwait prior to the war. Correspondents, producers and photojournalists depended on "Warrior One" to report stories while embedded with the First Battalion, 7th Marines. In addition to basic transportation, the Hummer served as living quarters and a storage facility for the CNN crew.

This past summer Overhaulin' took the Hummer to the show's workshop in Irvine, Calif. Crews revamped the Hummer's engine and made numerous upgrades including a 6-inch suspension lift, custom leather interior, 37-inch BFGoodrich tires and one-off Foose wheels.

Stereo system upgrades include 7,500 watts of Kicker audio, 250-pound subwoofers, a DVD player and six LCD monitors. Airbrush artists Dru Blaier, Mickey Harris and Mike Lavallee spent 240 hours painting images of journalists and military personnel onto the vehicle as a tribute to those who served during the war in Iraq and to the brave journalists who covered the war.

Since its unveiling, the Hummer has visited various U.S. military bases and automotive events, including the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from October 31-November 3, 2006. The Overhaulin' episode featuring the Hummer aired on November 14, 2006, on TLC.

"In addition to its sentimental value, Chip Foose transformed this military beast into one of the best looking SUVs on the planet," added Steve Davis, executive vice president of Barrett-Jackson. "CNN wanted to personalize this Hummer to honor the brave men and women of our armed forces and the journalists who risk their lives alongside them. I believe Chip and his team delivered."

Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, challenging annual records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Last year, more than 300,000 attendees and millions of television viewers from around the world witnessed over 1,600 cars being auctioned off for approximately $135 million at the two 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events held in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Events™" in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit
www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Media Contact:
Scott Black sblack@timepiecepr.com or (214) 520-3430 ext. 303

For more information:
www.barrett-jackson.com

Source:  Barrett Jackson

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