What an amazing year 2014 has been! As it comes to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to recap some of my favorite moments from this year and to thank everyone who was a part of it!
JACKSON MEMORIAL FOUNDATION GALA: We started off the year on the right note, giving back. As a Silver Seraphim for the Jackson Foundation, this year’s gala was one I was looking forward to. How did THE COLLECTION help? We donated a 2014 Audi A5 2.0T Cabriolet quattro for the exclusive raffle during the gala. To add to the mix, the DJ spun his mixes from the inside of an Audi, it was a sight to see and a moment to dance to. Most importantly, all proceeds benefitted Jackson Memorial Hospital.
THE ALL-NEW AUDI A3: We launched the all-new Audi A3 on April 3. THE COLLECTION was filled with guests to witness the all-new stunner. Attainable and attractive, the A3 was worth celebrating. Top bloggers, World Red Eye and Ocean Drive magazine joined us in hosting the event while the buzz was concentrated on the new A3. Keeping with the theme, Stay Uncompromised, it was a definitely a night to be HA3PPY.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAz1WTgBXQM&list=UUXIoU8igyRb6SK_Bg4VtY2A
THE 2014 SONY OPEN: How do we take part in the fun of the Sony Open? As sponsors, we provide a plethora of players with luxury vehicles during their stay here in Miami. Serena was a fan of her Ferrari California, Andy Murray cruised around town in a Porsche Panamera and Novak zipped around the city in a Jaguar XJ. We also had a several cars on display. Let’s just say, if you were there, you saw one of our cars.
THE ALL-NEW PORSCHE MACAN: Charity, food, drinks, a photo booth and the all-new Macan is quite a party and that’s what it was! The invitation-only launch event was centered around the gleaming 2015 Porsche Macan and proceeds from the event were donated to the Miami Children’s Health Foundation. To this day, the Macan is one of our most sought-after cars and it has every reason to be!
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSh8lMPWcUY&list=UUXIoU8igyRb6SK_Bg4VtY2A
DOCTOR’S HOSPITAL BALL: As a proud sponsor of the Whimsical Wonderland Ball, Doctor’s Hospital third annual fundraising gala followed true Alice in Wonderland form with decorations that were over the top! The all-new Porsche Macan made an appearance at the ball and was swathed in psychedelic mushrooms to go with the theme, of course. Raising over $700,000, it truly was a magical night!
DWYANE WADE PHOTOSHOOT: As a talented athlete, Dwyane Wade has always been recognized as one of the best. But even off the court, Wade is admired for his philanthropic efforts and his business mentality. Under the direction of our Creative Designer Rick Porven, we wanted to highlight the success of Dwyane Wade off the court in our new advertising. As the campaign comes to life, the new fashion-forward photos of Wade will be used in all our 2015 advertising efforts.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x9MXRsMiA8&list=UUXIoU8igyRb6SK_Bg4VtY2A
MAKE A WISH GALA: Aside from being one of the most anticipated events of the year, Make A Wish holds an extremely special place in my heart. As a Wish Benefactor for over fifteen years, I have always received a sense of gratitude when wishes are granted. To help raise funds for the foundation, THE COLLECTION donates the most sought-after and head-turning car for the live auction portion of the evening. This year, it was none other than the luxurious 2015 Maserati Ghibli. The car was won and wishes were granted, it was a win, win for all.
MASERATI CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: Celebrating 100 years of the iconic Maserati brand, THE COLLECTION, together with Maserati North America, hosted a day of inspiration for local Maserati drivers. The celebration kicked off with a breakfast at THE COLLECTION followed by a police escorted caravan rally from the dealership to the Perez Art Museum. Guests were welcomed by Maserati North America and enjoyed delectable lunch and water-front views. From the Museum, guests took a scenic drive along MacArthur Causeway and along Ocean Drive leading them to the 2014 Miami International Auto Show. At the show, all Maserati drivers had reserved parking and entrance to the show before the general public. One hundred years of Maserati were celebrated in style.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi8HmabE3ks&list=UUXIoU8igyRb6SK_Bg4VtY2A
2014 MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW: On November 7th, we here at THE COLLECTION kicked off the highly-anticipated auto event of the year – the 44th annual Miami International Auto Show. Filling more than half of the Million Dollar Alley, our Ferraris, Aston Martins and McLarens caught the eye of every event goer. The bonus, our Tarroco Orange McLaren won a People’s Choice Award at the event.
A NIGHT ON THE RUNWADE: This particular event is one that I look forward to every year. Hosted by the one and only Dwyane Wade, RunWADE is a night where fashion meets charity and proceeds benefit The Wade’s World Foundation. In my opinion, this year’s 3rd annual RunWade was the best one yet. Ending the show on a high note, Dwyane and Gabrielle drove onto the runway with our very own Ferrari California T, it was INCREDIBLE! Photos were snapped from every angle – even some selfies taken by Mr. and Mrs. Wade. I am so happy to have been apart of the night and the accomplishments Dwyane has achieved.
ALFA ROMEO JOINS THE COLLECTION: On November 20th, together with Ocean Drive magazine, we celebrated the arrival of the Alfa Romeo brand at THE COLLECTION and revealed the all-new, limited-production 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C. Guests enjoyed “dinner by the bite” and cocktails from South Florida’s hottest restaurants. The Alfa Romeo 4C demonstrates original values of performance and engineering excellence and we are so excited to add another brand to our collection.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46qPDX5mW_Q&list=UUXIoU8igyRb6SK_Bg4VtY2A
THE COLLECTION EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION PARTY: What a party! Every year I host a special employee apprecation party for the dedicated members of THE COLLECTION team. I like to think of it as a night to show my gratitude for each and every employee while enjoying cocktails, canapes, music and most of all, each other’s company. Employees had the opportunity to win sought-after raffle prizes and enjoyed the surprise Hora Loca. I am already looking forward to next year’s appreciation event.
As you can see, it’s been quite an exciting year. I want to take this moment to say thanks:
• Thank you to each and every member of THE COLLECTION family for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, none of this would have been possible without you.
• Thank you to my daughters Amanda and Gabby who I love dearly and THE COLLECTION mascot, my very own Donatello
• Thank you to all of our manufacturers – Audi, Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, McLaren, Aston Martin and Jaguar
• And, a BIG Thank you to you, our reader, and the countless clients we have the privilege of serving.
Here’s to another year of success in 2015.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
