(Image Source: Autoblog)

With a similar overnight intensity that enveloped TV poker, automotive auctions are everywhere on American television it seems. And besides putting the spotlight on some of automotordom's finest conveyances, there are certain important causes that are also treated with some much deserved media exposure.

Barrett-Jackson's most recent auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona in January raised more than $4.1 million for non-profits ranging from the juvenile diabetes research foundation (JDRF) to ChildHelp.

Among the notable auction items, CNN's own 1993 Hummer dubbed "Warrior One" was sold for $1 million with a resulting $1.25 million sent to the cause of the cable network's choice - The Fisher House - an organization that directly benefits injured soldiers and their families. The additional $250,000 the charity received was given magnanimously by the bidder who won the Hummer.

For a full list of the cars auctioned and the charities benefited, see this Barrett-Jackson press release.