BOCA RATON, FL (March 8, 2011) – Delray Beach executive and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin’s non-profit organization, The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation, acted as sponsor for the 5th Annual Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance, hosted at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, helping the event raise a net profit of more than $3 million after expenses for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. The event, spread over three days of non-stop, celebrity-driven entertainment, took place from February 25-27, 2011 with special guests Jay Leno, H. Wayne Huizenga, The Unser Family, Helio Castroneves, singer/songwriter Jon Secada and many others.
Each year the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance grows, bringing together new supporters, introducing exciting new event components and showcasing even more exotic classic automobiles and motorcycles, and this year was no different. The Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance shared its five year anniversary spotlight to shine a much deserved light on the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. A first-time supporter of the Concours, Benjamin and his foundation also acted as presenting sponsor for the Concours d’ Elegance Kick-Off Celebration held Tuesday, February 1, 2011 to raise awareness and help boost ticket sales for the 5th Annual Concours d’ Elegance main event.
“The Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance has no paid producers or staff; all who take part are volunteers, meaning one hundred percent of the proceeds raised from this spectacular weekend go directly to those who need it most – the nearly 12,000 at-risk youth who are part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County,” said Benjamin. “The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation is privileged and honored to be a part of the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance not only as an event sponsor, but also as host of the kick-off celebration to raise awareness for such an amazing event and its much-deserved beneficiary.”
“Every year of the Concours was better and better – attracting more people and proving to be more exciting than the previous,” said Rick Case, Founder and Producer of the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance, and car dealer owning the Rick Case Automotive Group. “We had one goal this weekend. Raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. And we sure did that. We wouldn’t have made more than $3 million without the help and support of our celebrity guests, generous sponsors and the more than 7,000 guests that attended the most thrilling three days of auto-excitement in the history of the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance.”
Friday kicked off the weekend of events with the “duPont Registry Live!” hangar party at the airport in Boca Raton. More than 1,000guests experienced select tastings from some of the best South Florida restaurants and eateries, and indulged in an array of fine wines and spirits. Guests also perused a fine selection of exotic and classic airplanes, motorcycles, boats, motor coaches, automobiles, and business and private jets, including the Honda Jet display. Guests also enjoyed live entertainment and a chance to mingle with some of The Legends of Indy like the Unser Family, and see the very Indy Cars that the Unsers, A.J. Foyt and the other Legends of Indy have accomplished some of the most renowned records in.
Saturday, more than 1,000 guests attended the black tie optional gala and Jay Leno show hosted at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, presented by Marti and H. Wayne Huizenga. A Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction started the night with a chance for guests to meet Jay Leno, H. Wayne Huizenga, The Unser Family, Helio Castroneves, singer/songwriter Jon Secada, and US Congressman Allen West, and enter a $100 Champagne Raffle courtesy of J.R. Dunn Jewelers. Following that, guests enjoyed a Gala Dinner, Live Auction and Show with a live performance by Jay Leno, one of the country’s premier comedians, television host and car enthusiast. Leno enjoyed the evening as a special guest, dining alongside Gala guests.
Sunday concluded the weekend festivities with more than 5,000 people in attendance at the Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition, presented by Acura, Honda and Rick Case. The show spanned all eras on the gorgeous golf course at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Car and motorcycle fanatics from around the world experienced an automotive showcase featuring cars and motorcycles from a wide range of time periods. An expert panel of judges selected the finest vintage, antique, classic and exotic vehicles based on period, presentation and cleanliness. Guests were invited to walk through a series of amazing vendor tents. Special tents also included a display by J.R. Dunn Jewelers, Ulysse Nardin watches and many, many more. Guests also were able to purchase 100th Anniversary m Indy 500 commemorative books, posters and souvenirs.
For additional information on the Boca Raton Concours please visit www.bocaCDE.com. As the event evolves, the website will provide up-to-date important information – so check back daily.
The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization created to assist the building and growth of other foundations through leadership, management, marketing, and public relations. Established by Delray Beach business leader and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin, the Foundation’s core focus is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and animals, support young adults through educational efforts, and aid women in breast cancer recovery. For more information, please visit www.arthurebenjamin.com.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) private agency, dedicated to helping young people improve their lives by building self-esteem and developing values and skills during their critical period of growth. Serving more than 11,000 at-risk youth, ages 6-18 each year from its 12 Broward County-area clubs, their purpose is to inspire and enable children to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Chosen as the #1 youth agency in the country three years in a row by The Chronicle of Philanthropy and one of the best run non-profit agencies in a study by Fortune 500, BGCBC keeps 98 percent of all raised funds in Broward County. Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County is located at 877 NW 61st Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. For more information please call (954) 537-1010 or view the website at www.bgcbc.org.