CHICAGO (WLS) — For more than three decades, First Look for Charity has been offering a behind the scenes look at the auto show the day before the Chicago Auto Show’s doors open to the public.

The black-tie event is a fundraiser for 18 local organizations, and in the past decades has raised nearly $63 million for charity. The goal tonight was to raise at least $2.5 million and they met it.

“It always means a lot to me to be here every year,” said Michele Means.

Last year, this one night of charitable giving, of glitz and glam at the Auto Show, raised $3 million.

“Ferraris, they’re unbelievable. Rolls Royces, phenomenal. I love them. I’m Italian so I like the Ferraris,” said Richard Petitte.

It’s a truly show up and show out night for the city, and everyone is ready for the action.

“You’ll see people in gowns and tuxedos. It’s a very elegant event, but it’s also a lot of fun too. we have musical entertainment across the show floor,” said Jennier Morand, general manager for the auto show. “This is one of Chicago’s largest charity fundraisers that happens in just one night and our goal is to raise at least $2.5 million to hopefully climb closer to that $65 million mark since this event began.”

First Look gives a glamorous glimpse at the hottest cars, car giveaways with ABC7’s own Ravi Baichwal and Judy Hsu, and a chance to see some serious horsepower before the show opens to the public Saturday. But there’s a profound purpose behind the spectacular soirée.

“Funds used tonight will support our expansion of adult services so the need in the autism field is significant,” said Carrie Provenzale. “Any time we have a chance to raise more money we’re able to expand our team and go out into the community and service more of the families.”