On Wednesday Oct. 5, more than 190 rare and classic cars will be on display as part of a fundraiser to benefit Ele's Place, the nonprofit organization with locations in Ann Arbor and Lansing that offers support for grieving children and their families.

The event is called "Mission Possible" and it will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Lingenfelter Collection, 7819 Lochlin Drive in Brighton. Host and co-organizer Kristen Lingenfelter first learned about Ele's Place at a reception party last spring.

"Our hearts were so touched listening to a testimonial from a family that had suffered a great loss and how Ele's Place had healed their hearts," said Lingenfelter. "From that point my husband and I decided we wanted to get more involved and put together 'Team Lingenfelter' for the Ele's Place walk that was held in Okemos in July."

The Oct. 5 benefit is solely for the Ann Arbor Ele's Place location. The nonprofit does not charge for its services.

"We have an incredible donor base but need to grow to become a household name," said Wendy Brightman, managing director at Ele's Place in Ann Arbor, which began in 2007. "We're thrilled that something as special as the Lingenfelter Collection opened up as a fundraiser."

"The Lingenfelter Car Collection includes Corvettes, muscle cars, and exotics," said Lingenfelter. "Several vehicles are among the most rare automobiles in the world including a Bugatti Veyron, an Enzo Ferrari, and a Lamborghini Reventón."

The Lingenfelter Collection, which is also actively involved with other charities including those in support of breast cancer research and junior diabetes, is co-hosting "Mission Possible" with Rottermond Jewelers, which is donating a Rolex timepiece to be raffled at the event. Michigan's First Lady Sue Snyder, who is an advocate for grieving children, will be an honorary guest.

"We will have a silent auction and one of my favorite items that was donated is a bench that the kids from Ele's Place painted," said Lingenfelter.

Ele's Place was established in 1991. It is named in honor of Ele Stover who died in 1989 at the age of 11 months, and is survived by four siblings whose lives were greatly affected by her life, illness and death. "ELE" also represents the organization's philosophy of "Embracing Loss Effectively."

"We host children's bereavement groups for all ages and provide long-term support at Ele's Place that allow kids to come for as long as they need," said Brightman.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available at www.shop.rottermond.com/ or by telephone at 248-684-5453 ext. 18.

Lisa Carolin is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com.