A Fiat 500L used by Pope Francis during his historic visit to Philadelphia last September was auctioned to the public on Friday, Jan. 29, at the Philadelphia Auto Show Black Tie Tailgate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Provided by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, the“Pope Francis’ Philly Fiat” was won by Michael and Kate Chapman of Chapman Auto Stores, a press release from the archdiocese said.
Michael Chapman, a former chairman of the Philadelphia Auto Show, and his wife secured the car with a winning bid of $82,000. Conducted by Max Spann Real Estate and Auction Co., the auction featured more than 19 bidders from across the country and lasted just 11 minutes.
“What a magnificent spirit of generosity we witnessed this evening,” Bishop John J. McIntyre, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said in the release. “To be able to auction the Papal Fiat in such a spirited environment while knowing that this incredible outcome allows us to spread Pope Francis’ message of love and care in a concrete way by supporting the charitable works of the Archdiocese is most gratifying.”
A second Fiat 500L used by Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia remains on display to the general public for the duration of the Philadelphia Auto Show, which runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 7.
“How wonderful is it that the return of ‘Pope Francis’ Philly Fiat’ has left such an indelible mark, both in our city and in our lives,” Donna Crilley Farrell, executive director of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, said in the release.
While the Black Tie Tailgate annually supports The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) through the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, the proceeds from the auction of “Pope Francis’ Philly Fiat” will benefit four missions of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
To purchase tickets to the Philadelphia Auto Show, visit phillyautoshow.com.
About Press Release
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
Comments