Saturday September 27th, 2008 : Immediately after the Santa Monica 2008 AltCarExpo, “Who Killed the Electric Car?” Director Chris Paine graciously hosted Plug In America’s very first fundraiser at his PV+EV residence in Culver City, CA .
GM's amazing Chevy Volt - A 100% electric drive (range extending) plug-in hybrid.
Mmmmm...Tesla... (pure EV)
The party was totally sold out: 250 guests and two superb electric vehicle rockstars – GM’s newly released preproduction prototype Chevy Volt and a silver Tesla Roadster. Due to parking limitations, valet parking was provided and guests were shuttled to the venue in several Toyota RAV4-EVs and a couple of very quick and spacious AC Propulsion eBoxes. Chris Paine’s film crew was in attendance filming the EVent.
But the speeches were the real highlight of the evening, delivered from a roof top overlooking the partygoers. Host Chris Paine discussed his recent trip to Detroit for the pre-production GM Chevy Volt unveiling and describing how surreal it was to have the Chevy Volt parked in his backyard for this memorable party. Chelsea Sexton followed with another eloquent summary of Plug In America’s humble grassroots beginnings. Plug In America’s president Linda Nicholes and board member Alexandra Paul gave a surprise thank you to two dedicated PIA volunteers. Renowned auto journalist Dan Neil of the LA Times delivered a rave review of the GM Chevy Volt – and some of his trademark wit. And lastly, James Woolsey summarized the vital national security requirement for our nation to embrace, develop, and deploy plug-in electric vehicles.
The party also featured a silent auction for green and EV related items, including a Duffy Electric Boat rental, a 2009 Zero X Electric Motorcycle, and a beautiful blue 2008 Vectrix Electric Maxi-Scooter (from Delamo Motorsports in Redondo Beach). Click here to see my Vectrix Electric Maxi-Scooter coverage from March 2007.
Thanks go out to Plug In America Managing Director Jeanne Trombly, event organizer Nicole Landers, sustainability champion and solar chef extraordinaire Cathy Lam, and all the other volunteers who made Plug In America’s first fundraiser such a success!
[Click here to see more photos from the party.]
4 Comments
Great write-up, Stefano!
But the speeches were the real highlight of the evening, delivered from a roof top overlooking the partygoers. Host Chris Paine discussed his recent trip to Detroit for the pre-production GM Chevy Volt unveiling and describing how surreal it was to have the Chevy Volt parked in his backyard for this memorable party. Chelsea Sexton followed with another eloquent summary of Plug In America’s humble grassroots beginnings. Plug In America’s president Linda Nicholes and board member Alexandra Paul gave a surprise thank you to two dedicated PIA volunteers. Renowned auto journalist Dan Neil of the LA Times delivered a rave review of the GM Chevy Volt – and some of his trademark wit. And lastly, James Woolsey summarized the vital national security requirement for our nation to embrace, develop, and deploy plug-in electric vehicles.
Wow that’s a nice Party I wish I could attend such kind of party. In our country this kind of party never occur.
It is good party which also auctions vehicle . It is good style of promoting vehicles through party.
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