Members recognized for their philanthropy
Ruth Eckerd Hall – Ovation Winter 2012
From left to right: Jennifer Douglas, Executive Director of TBBCA, Kelli Krebes, Community Relations Director for the Dimmitt Automotive Group accepts the TBBCA Impact Award on behalf of the organization and Charlie Hounchell, President and Chairman of the TBBCA Board of Directors.
Each year the Tampa Bay businesses for Culture and the Arts (TBBCA) asks for nominations for their Impact Awards and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) seeks award nominations that celebrate the philanthropic spirit for Nation Philanthropy Day. This past year Ruth Eckerd Hall nominated Dimmitt Automotive Group and Gladys Douglas Hackworth for the TBBCA Impact Awards. both nominations were selected as winners. For the AFP National Philanthropy Day, Ruck Eckerd Hall, the Straz Center and MOSI nominated Dr. Zena Lansky. Dr. Lansky was recognized as the Philanthropist of the Year. Dimmitt was recognized for their Dimmitt Cares campaign, which has donated over $60,000 to a wide range of local nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Dimmitt is a founding member of Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Dimmitt Family Atrium Lounge is named in their honor. Gladys Douglas Hackworth is a founding member of the arts in our community and helped to ensure that Ruth Eckerd hall was built. She chaired the Hall’s Stradivarius Society Gala for years and has supported a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Zena Lansky has been involved in and supportive of many nonprofit organizations in the Tampa Bay community for nearly 40 years including Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Straz Center, MOSI and the Morton Plan Mease Foundation. Additionally, she and her husband Warren Rodgers have conducted numerous free Marketing Workshops benefiting nonprofit organizations’ executives and staff members. We thank each one of these members for their continued support of the arts in our community!
McLaren Tampa Bay Official Launch Event
Dimmitt’s Toys For Tots ‘Toy Run’ 2011
Many of our dedicated clients and customers joined us in taking part in our 5th annual Toys For Tots Toy Run on December 18, 2011.Marine Toys For Tots Run 2011
by Andrew Meacham, Tampa Bay Times Staff Writer
Larry Dimmitt Jr. was the first recipient of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce’s lifetime achievement award in 2005.
CLEARWATER — Larry Dimmitt Jr., the colorful auto dealer, developer and philanthropist whose decisions both reflected and helped shape the growth of Clearwater, died Wednesday at his Belleair home.
He was 97.
In 1952, Mr. Dimmitt took over a dealership his father started in the 1920s and oversaw its expansion, leading to the current Dimmitt Chevrolet and Dimmitt Cadillac on U.S. 19.
A shrewd investor, Mr. Dimmitt was choosy about the properties he bought, and even to whom he sold. For example, he once turned down an offer to sell downtown property to a buyer who planned to use the space for mini-warehouses because he envisioned a more glamorous retail and residential complex where his old dealership had stood.
He gave just as carefully, his contributions benefiting hospitals, schools and churches. In 2005, the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce honored Mr. Dimmitt with its first lifetime achievement award.
“He was one of those obvious leaders within the community,” said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard. “He worked hard, and he enjoyed life to the fullest.”
A proud local product who grew up when downtown Clearwater was two blocks long, Mr. Dimmitt wore seersucker suits in the summer and crisp dark suits in the winter. He laced his rapid speech with expressions such as “boy howdy!” or “hot dog!” and could sum up his approval in a word: “Whoopee!”
“The best thing was to get seated next to Larry at an event and just let him tell you stories,” said Clearwater contractor Alan Bomstein.
Born in 1914, Mr. Dimmitt moved with his family from Georgia to Clearwater in 1924. His father, Lawrence Dimmitt Sr., bought a Ford dealership at Drew Street and Garden Avenue. The business moved to S Fort Harrison Avenue in 1931.
Mr. Dimmitt ran track at the University of Florida, according to nephew Mike Sanders, and served in the military in North Africa during World War II. He started a family with wife Betty Jane, a talented artist.
Within a decade of taking over the business from his father, Mr. Dimmitt developed satellite used car lots in Pinellas County, supplied in part by rental car companies he had acquired.
He handled disappointment with aplomb — including the rainy days that mired his annual car sale for 21 years in a row.
“If you need rain,” he advised local growers in a half-page newspaper advertisement, “let me know and I’ll put on a sale.”
In 1976, he weathered a tougher loss when Betty Jane Dimmitt, 53, died of cancer.
He eventually rebounded by continuing an adventurous lifestyle that included scuba diving, snow skiing and traveling to most continents on the globe.
In the late 1980s, Mr. Dimmitt and his sons moved their Cadillac and Chevrolet stores to U.S. 19, in keeping with a wider commercial migration away from downtown Clearwater. Still, he did his best to help downtown recover, taking out a full-page ad in 1997 to help sell two large tracts.
“I’m proud of (downtown Clearwater),” he said at the time. “I want to see it sparkle again.”
To Mark Klein of Klein & Heuchan Realtors, the size of the ad was unprecedented — but so was Mr. Dimmitt’s overall style.
“He could recite poetry to you one minute, and be very business-oriented in the next moment,” Klein said.
Many will remember his generosity. Mr. Dimmitt paid for gymnasiums at St. Paul’s School and Berkeley Preparatory School, the carillon bell tower at Episcopal Church of the Ascension and four annual scholarships for Eckerd College students.
“He was certainly one of the leaders for his generosity,” said Clearwater lawyer Ed Armstrong.
Mr. Dimmitt was even willing to take his pioneer spirit into space — literally. In the mid 1980s, he put down a $5,200 deposit with a Seattle company offering a “space voyage.”
Three years later, citing the Challenger accident, the company pushed the expected launch date from 1992 to the late 1990s or 2000.
“I’m not sure I can hold out that long,” Mr. Dimmitt said in 1989. “That is awful old.”
Dimmitt Cadillac – Sponsor of 8th Annual Safety Harbor Wine Festival
Once again Downtown Safety Harbor was the place to be to sample wines from around the world, entertainment on multiple stages and people ate until their heart’s were content. The 8th Annual Safety Harbor Wine Festival was sponsored by us, Dimmitt Cadillac, which raised much needed funds for five bay area charities and non-profit organizations. For more information, visit www.cityofsafetyharbor.com.
Charitable organizations that recieved $7,500 from the event proceeds:
- The Safety Harbor Library Foundation
- The Safety Harbor Neighborhood Family Center
- The Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch
- The North Pinellas Woman’s Club
- The Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce
For decades the Cadillac brand has been famous for its fine, luxury vehicles. So famous in fact that a major recording label, Cadillac Records, was so named because its founder Leonard Chess had a habit of buying all of his musicians (and himself) a Cadillac. Songs paying tribute to the icon have played on our radios for generations, and one of Cadillac’s biggest fans was the King of Rock-n-Roll himself, Mr. Elvis Presley. Elvis owned many Cadillac cars during his reign—the first being his world-renowned pink and white 1954 Cadillac—and was known for giving them as gifts. Throughout the years, many things have changed, but one thing that remains the same is Cadillac’s signature luxury style, partnered with dependable, quality vehicles and superb service. If Elvis were around today, I imagine he’d still drive a Cadillac. I picture him in the new Cadillac CTS Coupe, custom-finished in gold, of course.
When this photo was taken about 1962, the dealership had just expanded to give Cadillac and Chevrolet their own showrooms. The large building in the background on the right is the Ft. Harrison Hotel, built in 1926. Still a prominent landmark in Clearwater’s skyline, the hotel, like Dimmitt Cadillac, has weathered many physical and economical challenges of the 20th century.
Providing our community with 88 years of Cadillac sales and service is the Dimmitt family of Clearwater, Florida. The Dimmitt legacy began in Clearwater in 1924 when Larry Dimmitt, Sr. purchased a Ford dealership where he handled sales of Ford and Lincoln until 1933 when he began handling sales and servicing of Cadillac, Chevrolet, and LaSalle. In 1952, Larry Dimmitt, Jr. took over from his father, and then in 1972, Lawrence Dimmitt III followed family tradition and took over for Dimmitt, Jr. It was in 1976 that Richard Roth Dimmitt (currently the sole owner) became co-owner with his brother Lawrence and dealer/operator of the Cadillac dealership. In 1986, Dimmitt Cadillac relocated from its original location in downtown Clearwater on Ft. Harrison to its current location on US Hwy 19 in Countryside, now a local landmark, referred to as ‘The Mansion.’ Richard Dimmitt became the sole owner of Dimmitt Automotive Group in 1993. Today, Dimmitt Automotive Group specializes in sales and service of Aston Martin, Bentley, Cadillac, Land Rover, McLaren and Rolls-Royce. The family legacy continues as Mr. Dimmitt prepares his sons, Peter and Richard, Jr., to become the fourth generation of owners in the Dimmitt family.
Family is an important part of Dimmitt Automotive Group and extends beyond the boundaries of blood. The entire staff of Dimmitt work as a family. I experienced this first-hand when I was given a tour of the property by Dimmitt’s Community Relations Director, Kelli Krebes. In every area, from the sales floor to the service department, everyone I met was proud to tell me how they came to Dimmitt. Many of Dimmitt’s employees have worked there for decades.
“It is a pleasure to work for a family committed to our community,” says Kelli. “One family, partnered with a professional staff dedicated to ensure your complete satisfaction can make a difference.”
The service department plays a huge part in the Dimmitt Automotive legacy and specializes in providing quality service to any model and make of vehicle. The dealership used to handle sales of Hummer, and will continue to specialize in servicing Hummer vehicles. Dimmitt’s service department is legendary for excellence in service, and just like the sales department, caters to customers’ needs, whether it is relaxing in one of the lounge areas, having a quiet place to catch up on emails, or getting chauffeured to a destination. And, there are always fresh baked goods, delicious coffee and refreshments available.
Dimmitt Collision Center
When mishaps happen and your car needs paint and body work, you are in good hands at Dimmitt’s state of the art Collision Center. Adhering to the “Cadillac Standard” in customer service and quality work, Dimmitt Collision Center repairs all makes and models, accepting all insurances.
The Dimmitt family takes pride in our community, and has continuously contributed to local organizations throughout the years. Dimmitt Automotive Group has sponsored many charities and non-profits, as well as private dimmitschools. Local organizations that have Dimmitt’s ongoing support include: Children’s Cancer Center, All Children’s Hospital, Mike Alstott Family Foundation, Morton Plant Mease Foundation, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, The Run Neese Foundation, United Way of Tampa Bay, PARC, UPARC, Children’s Home Society of Tampa Bay, Gulf Coast Division, American Cancer Society – Pinellas County Unit, Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, Salvation Army, Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, Red Cross Disaster Relief, Toys for Tots, The Haven of RCS, East Lake Youth Sports Complex, Clearwater Little League, and East Lake Little League.
Dimmitt is proud to announce their recent partnering with Ruth Eckerd Hall. The pair is very excited about future endeavors together. Richard Dimmitt commented, “The partnership between Dimmitt and Ruth Eckerd Hall is a great way to help drive the economy while supporting the arts and arts education in our community!”
The Ruth Eckerd Hall-Dimmitt Automotive Group partnership is offering new vehicle buyers a complimentary six-month Dress Circle membership. As a Dress Circle member, you are entitled to an array of privileges such as ticket purchasing before the general public, private concierges phone line service for ticket purchasing, access to the exclusive Hoffman Dress Circle lounge with complimentary champagne, wine and soft drinks. Dress Circle members enjoy exclusive VIP Experiences such as Meet and Greets, backstage tours and other up-close and personal experiences at Ruth Eckerd Hall. My sister and I were able to experience the Dress Circle firsthand, as Kelli was kind enough to invite us to attend the Kenny G. concert. We had VIP parking, free beverages and hors d’oeuvres, and a fantastic show!
If you have ever dreamed of owning a luxury automobile, you owe yourself the experience of a visit to Dimmitt Automotive Group in Clearwater & St. Petersburg, where every customer is treated like gold. And, if you are in need of a quality, hand-selected pre-owned vehicle, Dimmitt has many choice vehicles available. Take the time to tour the properties, meet some of the staff and check out the History Wall in the Mansion that displays photos of the Dimmitt family’s climb to excellence in the automotive industry. You also can find this history lesson at dimmittstaging.wpengine.com, under “About Us” on the company information page.
DIMMITT AUTOMOTIVE GROUP VIRTUAL TOUR
When you visit Dimmitt, they treat you like you are coming into their home. The friendly, warm environment is enjoyable – a place where everyone feels welcome. So what are you waiting for? If you love luxury, innovative engineering and timeless class, your next vehicle may be right down the road at Dimmitt.
Visit Dimmitt at either of our two convienient locations to take your favorite new play toy for a test drive. Do you see yourself maneuvering thoroughfares in the Cadillac of Crossovers, the ultra-fine, sporty Cadillac SRX? Maybe it’s the new fit-for-a-king Rolls-Royce.
Dimmitt Automotive Group is comprised of two locations located at 25191 U.S. Hwy. 19 N in Clearwater and 3333 Gandy Boulevard in St. Petersburg. Sales hours are Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sat. from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Service department hours are Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sat., 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Collision Center in Clearwater is open Mon. – Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and on Sat., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Visit online at dimmittstaging.wpengine.com or call (727) 797-7070 for additional information.
Written by Amy Patterson
Monopoly Night Deemed Big Success
Dimmitt Automotive Group was a presenting sponsor along with Decker Ross Interiors. Charity Works’ Monopoly night at Belleair Country Club raised more than $59,000 for local community charities.
More than 300 guests enjoyed the festivities, which included a fun-filled evening of cocktails, a dinner buffet, live and silent auctions, a fast paced championship match for high priced properties like Park Place and Boardwalk, and a jail set-up on the premises. The tournament and grand prize winner was Dave Sullivan.
MONOPOLY Night winner Dave Sullivan, left, is congratulated by Chris Renfrow, president and CEO of Charity Works Inc.
MONOPOLY Night is the major annual fund-raising event for Charity Works, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Clearwater, which provides job skills training for displaced workers, including young adults and seniors, through its Teach & Reach Program, and purchasing advisory services to numerous other nonprofit organizations. Charity Works also operates GIVE HOPE USA, a program, which distributes wellness/medical, aids packs to economically disadvantaged families and individuals.
Organizations Dimmitt Cares Supports
It’s all about giving back to the community.
Our mission is to improve the lives of our associates, our guests and the community through service, excellence and innovation. The Dimmitt Automotive Group takes pride in it’s efforts to improve the quality of life for the members of our community. Below is a list of the organizations in which we currently support or have supported recently:
- Abe Brown
- Admiral Farragut Academy
- All Children’s Hospital
- American Cancer Society
- Arnold Palmer Hospital For Children
- Berkeley Preparatory School
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay
- Charity Works Logo
- Children’s Cancer Center
- Children’s Home Society of Florida
- Clearwater Central Catholic School
- Clearwater for Youth
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Espiritu Santo Catholic School
- Firefly Gala
- Florida Cancer Foundation
- Forty Carrots
- Good News Jail & Prison Ministries
- Homeless Emergency Project
- Honor Flight
- Indian Rocks Christian School
- Jack and Jill Foundation
- Jr League of Clearwater
- Keswick Christian School
- Marine Toys For Tots
- Mike Alstott Family Foundation
- Morton Plan Mease Foundation
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Pediatric Cancer Foundation
- Ruth Eckerd Hall
- Ryan Nece Foundation
- Saint Paul Catholic School
- Salvation Army
- Shelton Quarles
- Shorecrest Preperatory School
- Skip Cline Society
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul
- Special Olympics Florida
- St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School
- St. Stephen Catholic School
- Suncoast Hospice
- The First Tee
- United Way Suncoast
Dimmitt Cares
Dimmitt Automotive Group has been supporting & serving the community for decades.
Thank you for supporting us since 1924. The DIMMITT AUTOMOTIVE GROUP is exceedingly passionate about service to our community. We made it part of our mission: “To improve the quality of life for our associates, our guests, and the community through service, excellence, and innovation.” We value our community as part of our family.
Our passion to serve comes from our legacy of world class service to the greater Tampa Bay area from a family that has strong roots in our community. Every Dimmitt associate is empowered through our Community Values opportunities. The Dimmitt Automotive Group offers “Team Community Values Days” as well as an extra “Individual Community Values Day” in which the sole purpose of that day is to represent Dimmitt as a productive member of society through outreach. These opportunities of outreach include, but are not limited to, projects and non-profit institutions associated with:
- Educational programs & schools
- Hospitals and health services
- Culture & the arts
- Environmental initiatives
- Civic & community activities
VIEW THE LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS WE ACTIVELY SUPPORT
We are wholeheartedly committed to making a difference.
DimmittCares.com was created to provide a glimpse into our endeavors to support our community. We believe it’s also important to celebrate these successes along side each other. The Dimmitt family and associates will continue to make a positive impact on our community. If you have an opportunity for us to make a difference, please let us know by contacting us directly. CONTACT US NOW
Thank you from your friends and family at Dimmitt!
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