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Jaguar Land Rover clearwater of the Dimmitt Automotive Group was thrilled to be a hole-in-one sponsor for the RCS Pinellas Celebrity Golf Classic as well as a host for the event’s VIP Celebrity Meet-and-Greet. Catered with a selection of treats and a full bar, the Meet-and-Greet provided an opportunity for participants who purchased a VIP ticket to meet and interact with their favorite local celebrities. Guests enjoyed a silent auction for some incredible experiences. Athletes and sports broadcasters were in good spirits and gave inspiring speeches to the assembled crowd. [gallery link="file" size="full" ids="305719,305699,305700"] [gallery columns="2" link="file" size="full" ids="305713,305701"] Kirk Ray Smith, President and CEO of RCS Pinellas, spoke about the program and its goals. RCS Pinellas wants to feed the hungry, to help families facing homelessness return to self-sufficiency, and to empower survivors of domestic abuse. As one speaker put it, RCS Pinellas is the best-kept secret in the county. The charity’s goals thus far have been solely focused on providing support to those in need within the community. But with events like the inaugural Celebrity Golf Classic, they extend their name and reach into the wider community. RCS Pinellas isn’t a secret anymore. [gallery size="full" link="file" columns="2" ids="305710,305714"] [gallery size="full" link="file" ids="305709,305715,305712"] As Mr. Smith concluded his speech, he noted that, “If you know where you’re going to lay your head tonight, you’re living in paradise. If you know that you won’t get attacked tonight, you’re living in paradise.” Following the inspiring meet-and-greet, the RCS Pinellas Celebrity Golf Classic tournament began on Monday. Both celebrities and local golf enthusiasts gathered for a friendly tournament in the name of charity. Lunch was provided for participants in the event. RCS Pinellas, which relies on events like the Celebrity Golf Classic for financial support, was able to fund their continued efforts to better the community and provide security for those in need. [gallery size="full" link="file" ids="305716,305705,305697"] [gallery size="full" link="file" ids="305717,305702,305703"]

Everyone had an absolute blast at the Derby Day Soirée, an event held in our Ultra Lux showroom celebrating the fun and tradition of the Kentucky Derby. The mint juleps were cold, but the fashion was on fire. Participants arrived dressed to impress in their best Derby-themed attire. Both men and women strutted their stuff down a runway with the races in the background. And everyone took advantage of the great photo ops set up by Luxe Fashion, the event’s coordinators. Congratulations to the stunning winners of both the ladies’ hat contest and the mens’ best dressed contest – there was some stiff competition out there! [gallery size="full" link="file" ids="305670,305671,305669"] [gallery columns="2" size="full" link="file" ids="305681,305680"] Themed to Perfection From entrance to exit, every part of the Derby Day Soiree was themed to perfection. Throughout the event, guests mingled and sipped mint juleps as they enjoyed a lighthearted atmosphere. Of course, the Millionaires’ Row was separated for ideal viewing for those guests who purchased a VIP ticket. Even the raffle was themed. Mason jars labelled with the horses’ names were set up so that guests could “bet” on their favorites with raffle tickets, which were later drawn for a series of great prizes. [gallery columns="2" size="full" link="file" ids="305679,305662"] [gallery size="full" link="file" ids="305663,305664,305665"] Fun for a Great Cause And while everyone enjoyed themselves in the true Kentucky style, the event was more than just sport. Derby Day Soirée also raised money for a worthy group of charities charities including the SPCA Tampa Bay, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Hope Driven, Inc., and the Lupus Foundation of America. [gallery size="full" link="file" ids="305672,305673,305667,305682,305683,305678"] SPCA Tampa Bay is the only non-profit, animal welfare agency that runs an open-admission animal shelter, pet training facility and public veterinary center in Pinellas County. Their shelter serves more than 8,000 animals annually. For 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is the community’s gateway to help. People who are struggling with a variety of crisis situations including domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, and other emotional or situational problems can find support, education, and services at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Hope Driven Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting local families in Pinellas and Hillsborough County achieve a better life for themselves and their children. Families in need can reach out to apply for services such as vehicle or transportation services, vehicle repair, school tuition, job placement, and even short-term housing. The Lupus Foundation of America has been leading the fight against Lupus for over 40 years. They have made pioneering contributions toward ending the brutal impact of lupus by providing insight into the underlying causes of lupus and its progression while creating opportunities to expand the future knowledge base for lupus. All of these charities rely on funding raised through events like the Derby Day Soirée to continue to serve our local and extended community. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Derby Day Soirée! The event was a great success, and we can’t wait for next year! [gallery size="full" link="file" ids="305677,305676,305674"]

When you own a high performance vehicle, opportunities are rare to drive hard and fast and feel the raw power of that vehicle. Sure, highway speeds can make an engine purr, but if you want to hear an engine sing, you need a racetrack. Each year, Dimmitt Automotive Group hosts a track day at Sebring International Raceway. Vehicle owners can drive at high speeds, five laps at a time, around a curving, twisting track that’s challenging but forgiving, allowing everyone from novices to experts a chance to feel gravity push them harder into their seat. Sebring International Raceway is America’s oldest road racing track, with over six decades of history. Originally a World War II airbase used to train B-17 combat crews, Sebring evolved over time into an historic track that’s a staple of the international sports press. The day began bright and early. Eager drivers and passengers arrived in style in highly customized ultra-luxury vehicles made to thrill. After checking in and learning about safety and track rules, attendees strapped on racing helmets and climbed into their cars. Vehicles lined up and drivers were off, screaming down the track at speeds pushing 165 mph. After two rounds of three groups (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), it was time to break for lunch. Dimmitt Automotive provided the group with a catered meal of deli sandwiches and fruit. Dark clouds rolled in, but only a few sprinkles teased our crowd, and the driving could continue. The windy day provided an extra challenge for drivers already navigating hairpin turns and exciting banks. See More Photos It was an exciting day for auto enthusiasts. Nothing can make the heart pound quite like hearing a McLaren engine race past. The sound is felt before it’s heard. Thank you to our participants for making the event a complete success. We can’t wait for next year! Would you like to see even more photos and learn how you can download complimentary photos for yourself? Follow us on Facebook and keep an eye on our Sebring Photo Album here for more.

Dimmitt Automotive Group was a proud sponsor this past Sunday of the Festivals of Speed St. Petersburg, an annual exotic car show that raised money for a great cause. Attendees combatted the warm weather with wine bars and ice-cold beverages provided by Festivals of Speed. While engaging music played over park-wide speakers, they perused the stunning lineup of exotic and classic cars, including Dimmitt’s own lines from Bentley, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, and more. And for those willing to purchase a VIP ticket, or who managed to do so before they sold out, Dimmitt Automotive rolled out the red carpet and the Aston Martins to provide attendees with a true luxury treatment. Vinoy Park provided truly stunning waterfront views as a backdrop for the area’s most unique vehicles. Classics, exotics, supercars and even a few surprises lined up to for the exhibition. Participants competed for an array of awards presented with sculpted trophies. [gallery link="file" size="large" columns="2" ids="305544,305556,305557,305548,305549,305558"] Benefitting Our Four-Legged Friends The cars may have owned the day, but the fun was all in the name of a great cause. The organizers of Festivals of Speed St. Petersburg chose to sponsor Friends of Strays as the event’s beneficiary. Friends of Strays is a 501(c)3 charity formed in 1978 that provides shelter to and advocacy for the stray cats and dogs of the community. They maintain a no-kill shelter which provides care to homeless animals as long as it takes until the cat or dog can find a forever home. Thank you to everyone who came out over the weekend and made the Festivals of St. Petersburg such a great success! We can’t wait for next year! [gallery columns="2" link="file" size="full" ids="305552,305547,305551,305546,305554,305543,305559"]

Dimmitt Automotive Group was proud to sponsor the 4 th Annual Wings, Wheels & Wine this past Saturday at the Clearwater Air Park. The event proved to be an unforgettable evening of excitement, with an elaborate showcase of exotic vehicles, luxury watercraft, and airplanes. Guests enjoyed live music, a silent auction, dinner and libations. An Elaborate Raffle Many events boast a raffle. Guests love trying their luck to win a prize. The raffle at Wings, Wheels & Wine, however, takes the fun a few steps further than most. Guests could purchase raffle tickets at the event or for a discount prior to the night. The general advice was to stock up, and now we know why! This was no ordinary raffle. There were over 50 items and experiences to win! Sold Out Over a week before the date of the event, The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation reported that demand was so high to attend the award-winning Wings, Wheels & Wine that tickets had completely sold out! While the foundation was able to create more in order to try to meet as much of the demand as possible, the popularity of the event helped the foundation to achieve an incredible milestone and raise over $300,000. Luxury for a Great Cause All proceeds collected benefit The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit charity with a mission to secure the financial future of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The foundation builds community awareness, encourages community involvement, and provides financial support to the most vulnerable within our community. The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation relies on grant funding, corporate and planned giving, and fundraising events like Wings, Wheels & Wine. The charity manages over twenty Residential Homes, two Adult Day programs in Clearwater and Tarpon Springs, Harborside Studios Art Gallery in Safety Harbor, a Supported Living and Supported Employment Program, a Clinic. Thank you to everyone who came out to support such a great cause!

For automotive enthusiasts, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is one of those weekend-long events that must be experienced to be believed. Hosted at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton of Amelia Island, the annual event features vintage, exotic, and collectible vehicles on display. Spectators gather to peruse the long stretch of stunning automobile presentations during Saturday’s Cars & Coffee exhibition. And what ultra-luxury exhibition could be complete without Dimmitt Automotive’s stunning lineup of supercars? It’s such a thrill to display our beautiful inventory! But Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance isn't only about viewing some of the most beautiful vehicles in the nation. The event also raises funds for local charities such as Community Hospice & Palliative Care, Spina Bifida of Jacksonville, the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Shop with Cops, and other charitable organizations across North Florida. The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made up of more than 300 volunteers. The main fundraiser within the concours d'elegance is the yearly silent auction, a family-friendly event (there are even lots set aside just for children to bid) that has something for everyone, from historic pieces of automobile history to fine jewelry and original art. Thank you to everyone who came out to Amelia Island to meet with other enthusiasts, delight in beautiful and historically significant vehicles, and–of course—to have a great time.

Dimmitt Automotive was a proud sponsor of the Naples Motorfest. Representing McLaren with the indomitable 720S, Dimmitt Automotive did a little showing off of our own. Spectators and exhibitors alike gathered in Naples on a beautiful spring Sunday to enjoy a day of performance vehicles and live music. But Naples Motorfest wasn’t just a performance car show. The event benefitted Hope Driven, Inc, a local nonprofit which strives to improve the lives of families in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. Hope Driven, Inc relies on funding from donations and from events like Naples Motorfest to reach its goals and help single parents within the community. A big thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy a beautiful day full of music and supercars, all to benefit a great cause.

CARS & COFFEE AFTERPARTY! Come join us and other auto enthusiasts for a light breakfast. Not to mention all of the amazing cars to enjoy! This Saturday, March 16, from 8:00am - 11:00am at our Ultra Lux Showroom in St. Petersburg: Dimmitt Automotive Group 3255 Gandy Blvd. St. Petersburg, FL 33781 Get Directions Let's get this party started!

An estimated 16,000 kids, teens, and young adults live with epilepsy in the six counties surrounding Tampa. They need our support, our encouragement, and our understanding. And that’s where Epilepsy Services Foundation comes in. The charity has worked for 45 years to create a better future for those affected by epilepsy. Epilepsy Services Foundation holds regular events to increase awareness of the chronic illness, offers information and support to those suffering from seizures, and raises funds to provide numerous scholarships to those affected by epilepsy and to those pursuing the field of neurology. This past Saturday, Dimmitt Automotive participated in the Epilepsy Services Foundation’s 20 th Annual Walk for Epilepsy at beautiful Lake Seminole Park. The foundation could not have chosen a more beautiful day or location for the walk, created to raise awareness for kids, teens, and young adults affected by seizures. Participants were in great spirits as they donned purple and walked 1 or 2 miles (their choice) for a great cause. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support those affected by epilepsy. It’s so vital that we remind everyone suffering from a chronic illness that they are not alone or ignored within our community. We can’t wait for next year’s walk! To learn more about what you can do for those with epilepsy within our community, or if you are affected by seizures and are in need of support, please visit epilepsysf.org or contact Alysia Peddy at alysiaepilepsysf.org

The Grand Opening event for Jaguar Clearwater was a success! The Perfect Night for Celebrating It was the perfect night for celebrating. Guests enjoyed live entertainment, complimentary beverages, and catering fit for a king while they browed our beautiful selection of Jaguar vehicles in our brand new, state-of-the-art showroom. Attendees participated in a raffle, with a lucky few going home in new Jaguar merchandise. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to help us officially welcome Jaguar Clearwater into the Dimmitt Automotive Group. You were all absolutely stunning in your party attire. We can’t wait to see how great you’ll look behind the wheel of your new Jaguar.

You simply can’t have a James Bond event without Bond cars. So, when Tampa Theatre decided to host its 17 th Annual Vino Royale, a James Bond-themed fundraising event, everyone knew that alongside James Bond lookalikes, there simply had to be the iconic Aston Martin. We had a blast supporting the local theater and enjoying a night of intrigue and luxury. Thank you to everyone who came out, and thank you to the Tampa Theatre for hosting a great event.

Once again, Dimmitt Automotive was thrilled to show up in support of a great cause. Now in its third year, the annual Exotic Car Festival in Lakewood Ranch hosted by the Ferrari Drivers Group Sarasota has become a champion fundraiser for the Flight to the North Pole, Inc. charity. Flight to the North Pole, Inc. works tirelessly in partnership with various agencies within the community to bring joy to terminally ill children during the holiday season. They transport “Santa” via helicopter to an event to interact with kids and present them with gifts, lunch, and entertainment. During the Exotic Car Festival, the main street of Lakewood Ranch floods with beautiful vehicles of various exotic makes. We had a blast showcasing some ultra-luxury exotics of our own. Thank you so much to everyone in the community who came out to enjoy a day of exotic cars and, of course, giving back to those who need it most. We’re so fortunate to be a part of such a great community as the one we have in Tampa Bay!