Blog

On February 12th, the Sarasota Women’s Cancer Awareness Luncheon “Cure on the Runway” took place. Lunch was held at the Rectrix Aerodrome and was complemented by a Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show. With over 400 attendants, this event was a huge success. Cancer patients, researchers and cancer survivors spoke at the event. Dimmitt Automotive Group donated a chauffeured evening in a Rolls-Royce which raised almost $1,000. All proceeds from the event benefit the Moffitt Cancer Center. The Moffitt Cancer Center is dedicated to contributing to the prevention and cure of cancer. Moffitt Cancer Center has made a lasting commitment to the prevention and cure of cancer, working tirelessly in the areas of patient care, research and education to advance one step further in fighting this disease. To support them and their cause please visit their website at: moffitt.org

The 10th Annual "Cars for the Cure" Heathrow automotive festival was held the weekend of February 8th, 2014. The event was hosted by The American Lung Association at the beautiful Colonial TownPark in Lake Mary, Florida. This year, the weather did not cooperate as planned. Owners and enthusiasts drove from all over the state to enjoy viewing some great automobiles. Dimmitt Automotive Group was a proud sponsor of the event. We would like to thank all who participated and donated for their efforts to support the American Lung Association. For over 100 years, the American Lung Association has led the fight for healthy lungs and healthy air. Now in their second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives, improve lung health and prevent lung disease. The American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. Visit their website for more information: www.lung.org For information on the car show visit: www.carsforthecure.com

Last week, Dimmitt Automotive Group held a party and fundraiser for Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. The jungled theme event was held in the Rolls-Royce showroom and featured several unique animals. The Lowry Park Zoo brought everything ranging from an Alligator to a Mexican Redknee Tarantula. Food and drink was prepared by Puff'n Stuff Catering. The Lowry Park Zoo features a natural outdoor exhibits for more than 1,500 animals from Florida and similar habitats. That includes Native Florida Wildlife Center and manatee hospital, Asian Gardens, Primate World, Free-Flight Aviaries, Wallaroo Station children's zoo, and Safari Africa. The Zoo also features rides, shows and hands-on interactive exhibits designed to give you a wild experience. Dimmitt Automotive Group would like to thank those who attended, Regions Bank, and Lowry Park Zoo for bringing the very entertaining animals!! For more information on the zoo, visit their website here. [gallery link="file" ids="240786,240830,240828,240827,240826,240825,240824,240823,240822,240821,240820,240819,240818,240817,240816,240810,240808,240803,240802,240801,240800,240799,240793,240792,240788,240787"]

Last week, Dimmitt Automotive Group associates volunteered in a Special Olympics basketball competition in Clearwater, Florida. "Improving the quality of life for our community," is part of our mission statement and volunteering with the Special Olympics is a rewarding opportunity. The Dimmitt Automotive Group associates enjoyed spending the day with inspiring children and young adults. Every associate has a unique story from their experience. Our Brand Development Executive, Tom McQueen, said he will never forget when Kaitlyn, a young teenager in the basketball competition, looked him in the eye and said "Thank you for being here today." Dimmitt Automotive Group would like to extend a thank you to the Special Olympics organization and all who volunteer with it. Associates in the photo: Joe Lenz, Gregory Learn, Rick Zagata, Bruni Flores, Michelle Adkins, Charles Mungovan, Becky Costis, Angela Burke, and Andreas Bousdoukos.

Life can change in a matter of seconds. Meet our friend Ian from Tarpon Springs, Florida. Ian suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in an ATV accident. After spending 22 days in a coma, his family was told he was not going to survive his injuries. Ian was determined to prove the doctors wrong. After 7 months in different hospitals and 10 surgeries, Ian began to regain his senses. He had to relearn the most common tasks such as breathing, drinking, and talking. His recovery has been nothing short of remarkable thanks to his strength and his parents and doctors support. When his mother emailed us explaining that Ian's dream was to sit in a McLaren, we invited him and his family to our Pinellas Park Showroom. Our associates welcomed Ian and his family with open arms and provided him with a truly memorable day. Our McLaren sales manager, Matthew Jones, took Ian for a ride in a 12C . Ian's dream had been turned into reality and the smile on his face only proved that!! From all of us at Dimmitt Automotive Group, we wish Ian the best in his road to recovery and healing. Come see us again soon!

The Dimmitt team is honored to contribute the Time Dealer of The Year Award earnings to the Homeless Emergency Project (HEP) located here in Pinellas County, Florida. For over 25 years HEP has been helping those in need of assistance within our greater Tampa Bay Area community. HEP offers support in the way of housing, food, education programs, treatment and rehabilitation programs, and much more to our community public and Veterans. As a testament to their accomplishments, below is a snapshot from HEP’s actions in 2012 taken from their website: 2012 Statistics Number of Clients Housed 1,689 Number of Families Housed 69 Number of Children Housed 143 Number of Veterans Housed 660 (52 OIF/58 OEF) Number of meals served 88,458 Number of youth enrolled in after school & summer camp programs 41 Number of procedures provided in the Dental Clinic 3,453 Approximate value of free dental care provided in Dental Clinic $479,692 Number of patient contacts provided by the Morton Plant Outreach Team 6,564 Number of patient intakes provided by MPOT 755 Approximate value of care provided by MPOT for avoided hospital visits $1,377,400 Average number of 1-way veteran passenger transports to Bay Pines VA 2,790 Our team has volunteered time with HEP recently and was able to be a part of the difference made. We thank you and all that contribute their time in HEP to strengthen our community and those that live within it. To view more about The Homeless Emergency Project please visit their website at http://www.ethep.org/.

In the month of December, Dimmitt Automotive Group held a special promotion that benefitted the Pinellas Park Toys For Tots foundation. For every Cadillac purchased or leased, Dimmitt Automotive Group pledged to donate a child's bike in the name of the guest that purchased or leased the car. Within just a few weeks, many children's bikes filled the Cadillac showrooms. The final count of bikes to be donated was 74!! 40 bikes were donated on behalf of a Cadillac customer while 34 were donated from individual employees and their families. Very incredible feat from some very generous people! When Don Miley, our Cadillac Sales Manager, called Ron, the local Toys For Tots coordinator, the total number of bikes to be donated took Ron by surprise. Ron was hoping we would reach 20 bikes, but thanks to our generous guests and associates, the number was far exceeded! Thank you everyone who was involved in making a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate as well as the Toys For Tots volunteers who made it all possible.

On December 4th, 2013, the All Children's Hospital Foundation hosted a Santa Luncheon at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. This is the third fundraiser of the year that is hosted by the All Children's Hospital Guild in order to raise money for their hospital. Dimmitt Automotive Group was a proud sponsor of the event. We encourage others to visit their website and make a difference in the lives of others. Click here.

On this past Thanksgiving morning, a few Dimmitt associates took part in the Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot. The experience provided great memories and burned some calories!   The Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot benefits the the St. Vincent DePaul mission's in the Pinellas county area. Every year Dimmitt Automotive Group is proud to support this great cause.

Last Sunday was the Festival of Speed in Orlando, Florida. Dimmitt Automotive Group represented McLaren with three 12C Convertibles as well as a guest lounge with refreshments. The Festival of Speed benefits the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. The British and Texas wrapped McLaren were featured along with a volcano red 12C. The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is a hospital built just for kids. Ranked one of the best Children's hospitals in the nation, this hospital provides a safe and comfortable environment for kid to heal. For more information visit their website here.

On November 22nd, 2013, the fifth annual Golfers vs. Brain Cancer Golf Tournament was held at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club. This tournament benefits brain cancer research and treatment. Dimmitt Automotive Group sponsored the tournament which raised over $100,000 in the past five years. Golfers vs. Brain Cancer is a non-profit corporation which continues to seek out research initiatives and programs to meet the goal of finding a cure for brain cancer. Over 90% of the funds raised through the Golfers vs. Brain Cancer tournament are donated to the cause. Dimmitt Automotive Group would like to extend a special thank you to the corporation and the difference they are making in the cancer research community. Please visit their website for information on sponsorships. http://www.golfersvsbraincancer.org

With Christmas just around the corner, associates of the Dimmitt Automotive Group are signing up to make a difference in the local community. By volunteering with the Salvation Army to ring bells and collect donations, we are making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.  In the Us, the Salvation Army assists more than four-and-a-half million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods. The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.