DaimlerChrysler's family of vehicles and its line of Chrysler Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles are supporting families of special needs children with the help of some very special "Friends" including stars Matthew Perry, James Michael Taylor and Jennifer Love-Hewitt.

This past Saturday, Oct. 18, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., the automotive manufacturer teamed up with The Lili Claire Foundation and its celebrity supporters to raise more than $730,000 for The Lili Claire Foundation at their Sixth Annual Dinner and Auction. The gala event was hosted by Matthew Perry, who raffled off a custom outfitted Certified Pre-Owned 2003 Jeep Wrangler "Special California" limited edition.

"Every dollar raised from both the auction and raffle will be used to support The Lili Claire Foundation and its community based programs," according to a statement from Chrysler Certified Pre-Owned.

Established in 1998, The Lili Claire Foundation is a non-profit organization which assists in providing a happy, productive, fully-integrated life for individuals living with Williams syndrome and other neurogenetic birth defects such as Down syndrome and autism, and to provide hope and resources to the families who love them.

DaimlerChrysler's Certified Pre-Owned Group has taken the lead to bring together its family of products of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Vehicles, MOPAR Parts and Accessories and its Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles to make a difference with The Lili Claire Foundation's efforts, according to Robin Cursi of DaimlerChrysler.

"It is fantastic that DaimlerChrysler's family of automobiles is able to help to raise critical funds to support The Lili Claire Foundation's life enhancing programs and services," Cursi said. "These children who are living with neurogenetic birth defects are supported by dynamic, loving families that support our company. It is only fitting that we give back!"

The Wrangler that was so sought after is no ordinary Jeep Wrangler, either. Called the Rubicon Jeep Wrangler, the one-of-a-kind, brand spanking used, Lili Claire Denim Package includes a "Special California" denim tonneau cover and sun bonnet, "Special California" denim seat covers, tubular bumpers, tubular side steps, rear light guards, fog lights and a Wrangler hard top.

But what makes this Jeep even more special is that the event's host, Matthew Perry, lent his creative flair by picking the color of the MOPAR enhanced one-of-a-kind Jeep Wrangler, that was only available through the raffle on Oct. 18.

"As a Chrysler owner myself, it is fantastic to find that the company I chose as the provider of my transportation for my family, is able to give back to families in need," said James Michael Tyler, who portrays "Gunther" in the cast of Friends.

The 2003 customized Jeep Wrangler was chosen from the inventory ranks of Chrysler's Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Program, the winner of the 2002 award for best domestic non-luxury Certified Pre-Owned program from IntelliChoice, an online automotive information provider.

Like all the qualified pre-owned vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler has undergone a 125-point inspection and comes with an eight-year or 80,000-mile power train warranty. This extensive 125-point mechanical, safety and appearance inspection process is personally performed and verified by trained service technicians and quality control specialists, according to DaimlerChrysler.

"With every penny going to help families with special needs children -- who can help but applaud the Chrysler's CPOV program?" Perry said.

During the event, DaimlerChrysler also provided the automobiles that filled the transportation needs of the many celebrities attending The Lili Claire Foundation annual event.

"We are truly excited to have DaimlerChrysler involved with our foundation," said Keith Resnick, executive director of The Lili Claire Foundation. "During the coming years, these vehicles will be used to transport the children to and from job training courses in Las Vegas and meeting the needs of these special young adults."

About The Lili Claire Foundation

The Lili Claire Foundation was founded in 1998 by Friends casting director Leslie Litt-Resnick and her husband, Keith Resnick, when their daughter, Lili Claire, died of heart complications related to Williams syndrome.

Williams syndrome is a neurogenetic birth defect resulting in serious physical problems as well as severe to moderate retardation.

The mission of The Lili Claire Foundation is to provide a happy, productive, fully-integrated life for individuals living with Williams syndrome and other neurogenetic birth defects such as Down syndrome and autism, and to provide hope and resources for the families who love them.

About Chrysler Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

The Chrysler Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle (CPOV) programs aim to reduce the risk of buying a used vehicle with extensive point-by-point inspections, manufacturer-backed warranties and pre-sale repairs and adjustments needed to protect performance, safety and appearance.

Moreover, only recent model years and vehicles with limited mileage qualify for quality CPO programs.