MONTREAL -

Close to $528,000 was raised earlier this month for five Montreal-area hospital foundations during the Montreal International Auto Show Charity Preview evening.

The Montreal Automobile Dealers Corp. Foundation and the Palais des congrès de Montréal presented the event, which generated funds for Fondation du CHUM, Montréal Sacré-Coeur Hospital Foundation, The McGill University Health Centre Foundation, Pierre-Boucher Hospital Foundation and Santa Cabrini Foundation.

The evening featured door prizes, music, a dinner buffet and wine, as well as a silent auction (which raised $24,900). More than 3,400 people attended, along with top automotive leaders and celebrities from Quebec’s artistic and sports communities.

The Charity Preview debuted in 2005 and has generated funds of more than $2.8 million for Montreal-area hospital foundations in the eight times it has been put on.

“For the eighth consecutive year, we are very proud to be able to support five foundations whose hard work and dedication remain essential to the health and well-being of everyone within the Greater Montreal area,” stated Dandurand, president of the 2012 Montreal International Auto Show.

Later on during the 10-day show, a fundraiser for the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation was held. The show donated $2 for every visitor wearing pink during a three-day period, leading to a total donation of $2,066 to the QBCF. The show also included a blood donor clinic, where 689 people gave blood.