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The Park Place Luxury and Supercar Showcase is Set to Return on September 28, 2019

IRVING, Texas (March 4, 2019) – The 3rd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase, Dallas-Fort Worth’s premier luxury lifestyle and automotive event, will return this fall to the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 28, 2019.

“The community has come out in force to support this event the last two years,” said Ken Schnitzer, Park Place Dealerships founder and chairman. “The third annual event will again showcase some of the most exotic and exciting vehicles that will please enthusiasts of all ages. What began three years ago as an engaging opportunity to celebrate our 30th anniversary has quickly turned into the foremost luxury lifestyle and automotive event in this region.”

Park Place Dealerships represents some of the most coveted brands in the world, including Rolls-Royce, Maserati, McLaren, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Land Rover, and Jaguar which will all be featured at the event.

In keeping with a true lifestyle event, Park Place will expand its fashion, food and retail offerings within the Porsche Pavilion. There will be music performances on the Lexus Live Stage and beverages at The Mercedes-Benz Beer Garden on the lush Four Seasons TPC Championship golf course.

Within the event will be a juried Collectors’ Concours, featuring a diverse selection of rare supercars, luxury, sports, vintage and classic cars from private collectors.  The motoring festival also will include a Car Club Expo powered by Park Up Front as well as the beloved Kid’s Zone. 

Iconic luxury shopping and dining destination, Highland Park Village, will present a runway show produced by Jan Strimple Productions for the second year. The fashion show will feature looks from prestigious brands presented exclusively in the climate-controlled pavilion on the resort grounds, with retail pop-ups for guests to shop the day of the event.

Dallas’ Mad Hatter Shane Walker will return to judge the 2019 Haute Hat Contest on The Million Air Stage with categories for stylish men and women. Guests are encouraged to pair a hat with their favorite resort-inspired ensemble.

Ranging from $25 – $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP All Access, which includes the VIP Lounge with complimentary food and beverages from dozens of the area’s finest restaurants, tickets are on sale at LuxurySupercarShowcase.com. VIP Tickets are limited and have sold out the previous two years.

In 2018, the top Collectors’ Concours award winners were presented with the “Spirit of Park Place” hand-crafted sculpture by Dallas artist Brad Oldham:

  • Best of Show – 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB 6C
  • Chairman’s Choice Award – 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II
  • Salesmanship Club Award – 1980 BMW M1

A Thank You To Our Returning Sponsors

Returning partners include the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, VIP Lounge Sponsors Allie Beth Allman & Associates – A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate|URBAN, Captain’s Lounge Sponsor Celebrity Cruises, The City of Irving, Hill & Wilkinson, Hagerty, Event Architecture, AT&T Business, AVSD Productions, Digital 3 Printing, Fauxcades Décor, Brad Oldham Sculpture, D Magazine and NBC 5.

Restaurants featured in the VIP Lounge include The French Room, LAW, III Forks, Cool River, Chop House Burger, Dallas Fish Market, Wild Salsa, Oven and Cellar, Outlaw Tap Room, Kai, Toulouse, Whiskey Cake, Texas de Brazil, Princi Italia, CRU Wine and Food Bar, Pacific Table, Cork & Pig Tavern, Make Your Life Sweeter, and Carlton Provisions.

Additional sponsors include Lilium Florals, Perks & Provisions, Promo Resources, Sunnyland Furniture, RideCentric, iDesignMeetings, Marquee Event Rentals, Bachendorf’s, Jack Black, Maui Jim, Renegade Cigars, Tito’s Vodka, Peroni Beer, Waste Management, GL Seaman, Ratcliff Financial Services, Garages of Texas, Thermal Printing, and MarineMax Yachts.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships in Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

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Garland Couple’s Leading Role Takes Them to Hollywood

Klembara’s “My Place” Story Earns Couple Trip to Academy Awards

In today’s rough-and-tumble world, it’s refreshing to meet a couple like Teresa and Gary Klembara of Garland. 

Married for 36 years, the magic between them remains palpable – twinkling eyes, gentle touches and warm banter speak to an enduring love story that rivals anything in the movies.

It’s easy to imagine the sparks flying when they first met at J.C. Penney – he as a senior manager and she a manager trainee. They dated off and on for seven years before they, as Teresa says, “came to our senses and got married.”

Gary transitioned into a successful career as an international IT businessman and, after opting to leave her own successful retail management career at JCP, Teresa joined him on the road whenever she could. She also kept busy with sports and civic activities – “Keeping the home fires burning,” she says brightly.

Teresa’s bubbly laughter comes easily and often, especially when her affectionate rescue pooch, Brody, jumps into her lap for yet another smooch and snuggle. Gary shakes his head indulgently and pats Brody. This is, indeed, one lovingly pampered pup who, not surprisingly, embodies the couple’s lifelong commitment to each other and others.

They have a long-standing date for dinner and a movie with friends. “There are several couples we’ve been friends with for the past 30 years,” explains Gary. “When we’re in town we get together for dinner and a movie every Saturday.” 

When asked about their favorite movie to win an Oscar this year, Gary favored “Bohemian Rhapsody” while Teresa leaned towards “A Star is Born.”

It’s not all butterflies and unicorns

Lest they sound entirely too Pollyanna-perfect, however, just watch Teresa at a Dallas Stars hockey game. (They’ve been season ticket holders for 24 years). Without going into too much detail, let’s just say that her otherwise ladylike demeanor gives way when the puck drops. “She’s hilarious to watch,” says Gary. 

Then there’s their latest shared musical obsession – the Chicago-based heavy metal band Disturbed. “Their version of ‘Sounds of Silence’ is haunting,” she says. 

“When they came to Dallas recently, we went to their concert,” adds Gary. “We probably looked a little out of place, but nobody seemed to mind.”

“See, we can be edgy, too!” Teresa quips. 

Edgy or staid, the secret to their relationship is commitment – the promise to put each other first. 

“We both tend to go with the flow,” says Gary. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to make the most of what it is or isn’t,” adds Teresa. They often complete each other’s thoughts.

Their latest opportunity – making the most of an out-of-the-blue invitation to attend the upcoming 91st Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 24th in Hollywood. 

It’s an unlikely tale that not even a Hollywood scriptwriter could fashion. 

A throne fit for a furry king

The story actually goes back nearly 25 years ago, when Gary – an admitted car guy – checked out Lexus and, admiring the brand’s comfort, beauty and sense of security, bought a GS300. 

Several weeks later, it was Teresa’s first rescue dog, Lacey, who really sealed the deal with their second Lexus, an ES300, in what developed into a lasting relationship with Dallas-based Park Place Dealerships.

“I know how this sounds ,” she chuckles, “but Lacey traveled with me all the time and the car’s armrest wasn’t big enough for her to sit by me, so I had to say no.”  

Undaunted, their sales rep, Carl Keith, went to his home garage and fashioned a custom, leather-clad doggy perch. He called Teresa and showed her the homemade accessory. She welled up and bought the car “in three minutes flat.”

“I was blown away,” says Gary. That show of dedication from the dealership led to a relationship that continues to this day. In fact, Gary has acquired an astonishingly unbroken line of 18 Lexus vehicles from Park Place. 

“We want our clients to think of Park Place as ‘My Place,” explains Dave Evans, Park Place Dealerships Chief Marketing Officer. “Park Place team members are committed every day to create an ownership experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Our clients have fabulous stories about Park Place members who have gone above and beyond to make their experience memorable and we are sharing some of those stories through the “My Place” campaign starting with the Klembaras.”

The campaign kicks off locally during the Academy Awards show on Sunday, February 24. 

“We thought it only fitting that our stars, Teresa and Gary Klembara, should go to Hollywood and enjoy the Academy Award experience,” said Evans. “This is our way to say ‘thank you’ for their commitment to Park Place.”

So the burning question – what designer will they wear?

“Probably jeans and cowboy boots,” Gary grins.

“Texas chic!” Teresa pipes up. “We’ll represent Texas in all its glory. What do you think, Brody?”

Hearing his name, the rescue pup’s ears perk up and he answers with a lively bark. 

Meanwhile, Carl Keith, the Park Place Lexus sales manager, is happy to play “best supporting” role in this story.

Tune into the Academy awards and @parkplacetexas to learn more about the “My Place” story this weekend.

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Dallas Stars Casino Night Sets Record Raising More Than $400,000

20th Annual Dallas Stars Casino Night at Park Place Lexus Plano raises more than $400,000 for the Dallas Stars Foundation

 

More than 750 Dallas Stars fans filled the showrooms at Park Place Lexus Plano for the 20th Annual Dallas Stars Casino Night. The event raised $403,711 for the Dallas Stars Foundation, shattering last year’s record for the most money ever raised in a single night for the charity. 

The Star-studded event featured the entire Stars hockey team serving as casino dealers, including players, coaches, play-by-play announcers, and front office staff. 

Tess Constable; Dallas Stars Foundation President Marty Turco; and Ashley Wasserman

“Our signature fundraising event was another smashing success,” said Marty Turco, Dallas Stars Foundation President, former Stars goaltender and NHL All-Star. “Being at many of these great nights over the years, we experienced our best yet!  Nothing beats our fans, sponsors, donors mingling with our players and staff. Always the best night of the year, we continue the tradition of having fun and making an enormous difference in the community. Our relationship with Park Place continues to be inspirational; we cannot thank them enough for their friendship and gratuitousness.  The Dallas Stars Foundation and our community thanks and applauds everyone for their attendance and support this year.” 

DJ S.O.U.L Jah entertained the crowd as fans bid on a selection of autographed memorabilia, including jerseys from current and former Dallas Stars players, as well as unique experience packages such as the opportunity to travel with the Stars team for a two game road trip. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet from III Forks Steakhouse, Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Tastings and a diamond bar provided by J. Patrick Diamonds, Inc. 

 
“We’re very excited to be part of this outstanding achievement,” said Jordan Case, Park Place Dealerships President. “Over the years, this event has grown into one of the highlights of our philanthropic program. I loved walking through the dealership and hearing everyone laughing and having a good time. The Stars players, coaches and executives were all fully engaged with the fans. And the players seem to be having as much fun as our guests. We are very proud to be associated with the Dallas Stars Foundation. They have done so much over the past two decades to help kids throughout North Texas.”

Dallas Stars VP Corporate Partnerships Grady Raskin; Park Place Dealerships president Jordan Case; Dallas Stars head coach Jim Montgomery; Park Place Lexus Grapevine GM Gary Venner; Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn; and Dallas Stars Foundation president Marty Turco

The Dallas Stars Foundation focuses its efforts on providing support to the children in the community through youth hockey programs, youth engagement, and health and education. More at https://www.nhl.com/stars/community

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

 

 

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Park Place Motorcars Arlington Supplies Brand New Mercedes for MLK Jr. Parade

Park Place Motorcars Arlington Supplies Grand Marshal’s Car for Grand Prairie ISD 2019 MLK Jr. Parade

Grand Prairie ISD sponsored the MLK, Jr. Day parade Monday, January 21, which featured a variety of student and civic groups, including floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles and more.

Park Place Motorcars Arlington provided a new 2019 Mercedes-Benz Convertible for Grand Marshall Dr. Susan Simpson Hull, Grand Prairie ISD Superintendent to lead the parade.

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously stated, ’The function of education is to teach one to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education,’ recounts Park Place Motorcars Arlington General Manager Terry Powell. “Park Place Dealerships is proud to support Grand Prairie ISD. There is nothing more important to our future success than education. We’ve hired numerous GPISD graduates to work at Park Place. And we look forward to a brighter future because of their commitment to excellence.”

Dr. Hull has been a Texas educator for 39 years, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. She is in her 11th year as the superintendent of Grand Prairie ISD, a district with over 29,000 students.

The march began at the Liberty Bell on City Hall Plaza and ended at David Daniels Elementary Academy of Science and Math. Grand Prairie ISD, in conjunction with the City of Grand Prairie, the NAACP, and local community businesses and organizations honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s contributions with the annual parade.

Park Place Motorcars Arlington is a 91,000-square-foot Mercedes-Benz dealership located at I-20 and Collins.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 16 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

 

 

 

 

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All-Stars Visit Park Place Premier Collection for After School Experience

After School All Stars provides children with comprehensive after-school programs that keep children safe and help them succeed in school and life. Heath Strayhan, General Manager at Park Place Premier Collection, is also an Advisory Board Member for After-School All Stars because of the program’s impact on kids in the community:

“In the middle school age group, these children are exposed to many negative influences between the hours of 3 and 6 during the week because they are often home along. ASAS not only occupies their time, but maximizes it by teaching life sills and exposing them to career choice possibilities they did not know existed.

So, when a need for a new after school excursion came up, Heath didn’t hesitate to step up and offer experiencing some our most premier level vehicles and the opportunity to learn about the various careers in automotive. 

“It’s a perfect fit. We decided that, as opposed to me speaking at a school, we would immerse them in our dealership environment and introduce them to people who have taken advantage of career opportunities  that are available.  I also love an excuse to give out free cookies and hot chocolate,” said Strayhan.

The day began with the children arriving at the Premier Collection Service Center off Northwest Highway, where they were able tour the client lounge and get a sneak peek at some our high-performance supercars in the front showroom. 

Afterwards, they met with Assistant Service Manager, Sharon Stanley, who explained how integral her role is in ensuring a great client experience.  Sharon’s role is to connect the dots between our parts department, Service Technicians, and valuable clients. 

Afterwards, the kids ventured into our McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Maserati workshops, where they witnessed technicians performing repairs, live.  To top it all off, the group of All-Stars also were shown a few of Mr. Earl’s (one of the Premier Technicians) favorite tools, which became a hit with the group.

While walking through each service bay, a few of the kids mentioned how cool it would be to work at Park Place and get to work around such cool cars- and as you can imagine, that just warmed the hearts of our Park Place team members who had the chance to share their story.

Before heading over to the New Car Showroom off Lemmon Avenue,  the AS-AS group had the opportunity to meet our Inventory Control Specialist, Niki, who actually received her full-time job after interning with Park Place in High School. Her story is especially meaningful to these kids and was General Manager Heath’s favorite part of the day too:

“My favorite Part of the Day was when Niki told the group a little about her history, how she came to work for us through the internship program, and how vital and important her role is in our organization.”

Fast forward to a small bus trip to the Lemmon Avenue Dealership, the kids were greeted with fresh hot chocolate and cookies to refresh the students before learning all about our premier brands.  Malcolm Gage, our New Car Sales Director, ended the day with a short quiz, asking questions like “Where are Bentley’s made?” and let’s just say there wasn’t a shortage of hand raising during this Q&A session.

Tori Schwarzlose, Program Manager at After-School All-Stars shared how important these experiences are to the AS-AS kids:

“Our All-Stars had so much fun learning about new cars and seeing the showroom, but the most impactful part of the field trip was meeting the incredible people that work at Park Place. Each employee got to share about their unique role within Park Place, and it helped expose our All-Stars to career and education paths that they wouldn’t otherwise know. We couldn’t do this work alone, so we are very grateful for our new friends at Park Place and the amazing experience they provided our students!”

Learn more about our community giving or submit a community request by visiting www.ParkPlace.com/Community.

 

 

 

 

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Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth Donates New Mercedes-Benz to Charity Raffle

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth Donates Mercedes-Benz for the 65th Annual Jewel Charity Ball

Thinking outside the (jewel) box in 1953, Nenetta Burton Carter and Bille Brandsford Clark sought to raise funds to meet the needs of children whose families could not afford their medical care. A committee of 15 women planned the first Jewel Charity Ball, which resulted in a $9,000 donation to Fort Worth Children’s hospital. 

On December 15, 2018, the 65th Annual Jewel Charity Ball will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center. With over 625 members, Jewel Charity has raised over $71 million dollars to ensure that all children at Cook Children’s Hospital are provided the health care they need. 

This year’s event will feature a silent auction and raffle prizes for everything from fine jewelry and trips abroad to the winner’s choice of a Mercedes Benz GLE or E300, donated by Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth. 

“We are proud to be a sponsor of the Jewel Charity Ball,” said George Johnson, general manager of Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth. “Nothing is more important than the health and well-being of the children in our community.”

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth is located at 5601 Bryant Irving Road, just off the Chisholm Trail Parkway in southwest Fort Worth. 

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place employs more than 2,000 people and operates 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Bentley and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com

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When Fancy Cars and Fall Football Collide: Park Place’s Focus on Education On and Off the Field

Park Place has four, core pillars of community giving, with education and a passion for children’s advocacy, at the forefront of our involvement this past fall.  It’s no secret that Fall in Texas equals football season, and we are so excited to not only support one of Texas’ favorite past times but to also show our support for the local teams, like the Boswell Pioneers or Southlake-Carroll Dragons, as a part of our community giving efforts.

Boswell Football

This past season, we had the privilege of supporting the Boswell High School Football Team (see the 2019 team photo below) with not only cheers and encouragement as our Park Place Mercedes-Benz Fort Worth members attended the games, but through a donation to the Boswell Football Scholarship Fund.

This fund supports their local athletes with scholarship opportunities at the close of the school year for their future pursuits, and we are eager to hear what these kids accomplish thanks to their hard work, determination, and little extra help from their community. 

Boswell Pioneer Varsity Football

Southlake-Carroll Dragons

Similarly, Park Place is very involved in the Southlake-Carroll Community, with each of our four Grapevine dealerships showing up at home games at Dragons Stadium with plenty of team spirit and vehicles to enhance the game-day experience.

Southlake-Carroll Dragons Football Team, 2019

One well-known opportunity each year is our “Kick One of These [a field goal]” to “Win One Of These [a new car]”, donated by Matt Woolsey, General Manager of Park Place Jaguar Land Rover. 

The rules are simple (no practicing!) and the experience an absolute blast, as Park Place Members pack the stands alongside Dragon fans, eagerly watching the one lucky winner kick for a new luxury auto!

Kristen Hill at the Park Place field goal challenge, Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, in Southlake, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

We haven’t had someone successfully make a field goal yet, but who’s to say we won’t bring back that community opportunity next year?

On the Radio with Colleyville Heritage High School

Radio is an integral part of our fall sponsorships and one that helps add an element of excitement to local fall football games for Colleyville Heritage High School.  Live commentary on the radio enhances the fans experience, when they may not be able to make it to the field for a live viewing. It’s all about experience at Park Place, so this radio sponsorship was a natural extension of our fall community involvement for area schools and athletes. 

Participating in school athletics has the ability to impact students far past just an athletic acknowledgment, and Park Place strives to support these programs in an effort to support their academic successes and futures far past just a singular football season. We encourage you to join us next season in cheering on your local high school football teams in person or by tuning into local radio to catch the play by play of our young student-athletes in action. 

Learn more about our community efforts at Park Place by visiting ParkPlace.com

To submit a sponsorship request click here.

To submit a partnership request click here.

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The Season of Giving: Park Place Delivers Donated $55k Sprinter To Momentous Institute

Park Place Dealerships Donates $55k Sprinter Van To Salesman Ship Club’s Momentous Institute

As we enter a season of gratitude and giving, it’s crucial we take a step back to reflect on the why behind last month’s October 13th event. Rain couldn’t keep the crowds away from the 2nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase last month, where luxury manufacturers, local retailers, restaurants, and collectors came together to host almost 3,000 attendees for a day of fashion, food, and, of course, show-stopping vehicles.

The event benefitted the Momentous Institute, owned and operated by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920. Each year, the organization serves more than 6,000 children and family members through its nationally acclaimed Momentous School and innovative Therapeutic Services. Ken Schnitzer presented Patton Chapman, Salesmanship Club president, with the keys to a $55,000 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, on stage during the awards ceremony, to help the organization with its transportation needs for the kids.

during the Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase in Irving, Tx, on October 13, 2018. (Michael Ainsworth)

The following week, Corey Bedford, Fleet Sales Manager at Park Place Motorcars Grapevine, delivered the shiny, new 2018 Sprinter Passenger van to Momentous Institute- red carpet style. Momentous Institute, owned and operated by Salesmanship Club of Dallas since 1920, has been committed to building and repairing social-emotional health for all children so they can achieve their full potential. It was our privilege to host the community to benefit such a worthy cause for the second year in a row.

 

 

Stay tuned for more on information on next year’s 2019 Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase by tuning into our blog (news.parkplace.com) and our social media channels (@parkplacetexas).

 

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Bekim’s Sweet First Birthday at Porsche Grapevine

The Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase Mini-Macan Winners Receive Luxury Delivery Experience at Porsche Grapevine.

Guests of the 2nd Annual Park Place Luxury & Supercar Showcase had the opportunity to win a miniature battery-powered car all for themselves (or at least for their aficionados in the making).  Entering was simple (post a photo of the little ones enjoying the Kiddie Concours), and it was clear that guests were well aware of the stakes- snapping photos left and right for the opportunity to win hearts on social media and hopefully, a brand new Mini Porsche Macan.

That was at least the story for Xavier and Janet, and their almost one-year-old, Bekim, who has quite the head start in sharing in his parents’ love of exotic cars:

“We found out about the [Mini Macan] contest through the Park Place Instagram page. This seemed like a very unique and inclusive contest for our little one so, we decided to make it a point to visit, while at the showcase.”

When asked if the weather forecast almost deterred them from coming, Xavier and Janet shared that they just planned their day to arrive at the tail-end of the last round of forecasted showers so they could enjoy the outdoor experience, noting that “This is one of those events that you have to experience firsthand, vs trying to explain with pictures. Under the same weather circumstances, we would absolutely go again.”

By random drawing, Bekim’s entry (see below) in the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon won the ultimate prize just in time for his very first birthday. 

Given the special circumstances, our Porsche Grapevine team didn’t hesitate to invite Bekim, his older brother Elijah, and his parents, to the dealership for a luxury delivery experience sure to create lasting family memories.

Poised next to a couple other life-size Porsche’s ready to meet their owners, Denette Norlie, Service Director, set up the Mini Macan with a few extra surprises for the two boys.  After all, Park Place is their place too.

“Our experience at the Porsche dealership was absolutely wonderful! The amount of people that took the time out of their workday to help make this a special day for Bekim and to include his older brother, Elijah, is truly amazing! It really meant a lot to us all.” 

Not every one year old can say they receive a Porsche Macan for their 1st birthday, but we certainly hope the memories created last long after Bekim outgrows his first car.

“The Mini Macan might be a little tough to top for a 1st car. For Bekim’s 16th birthday, we aren’t quite sure what his first car will be. However, things will probably come full circle and his first actual car WILL be from Park Place.” – Xavier, Bekim’s Dad.
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Park Place Lexus Grapevine Kicks Off GRACE Christmas Cottage Toy Drive

Holiday Event Included Unwrapping New Lexus ES Luxury Sedan

 Park Place Lexus, the official “Drive For Toys” sponsor of the GRACE (Grapevine Relief And Community Exchange) Christmas Cottage, hosted the kick-off party for the 2018 toy drive collection. 

The GRACE Christmas Cottage provides gifts for local children in a store-like setting and is open for a full two weeks prior to Christmas.

As guests arrived, they filled the back of several Lexus SUVs with Christmas toys.

“We’ve partnered with GRACE for many years now,” said Gary Venner, Park Place Lexus Grapevine General Manager. “We are blessed to help local families through our support of the GRACE Christmas Cottage. We want to make sure every child in our community has the best possible Christmas. The GRACE Toy Drive makes it easy to participate.”

The community is invited to drop off a new, unwrapped toy for the GRACE Christmas Cottage through December 15th at Park Place Lexus Grapevine, located at 901 Highway 114 East. Or drop them off at GRACE Christmas Cottage, 3100 Timberline in Grapevine. You can also make a monetary donation to the GRACE Christmas Holiday Fund at gracegrapevine.org.

during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

During the event, guests enjoyed eclectic bites from DRG Concepts, including Mediterranean fare, chicken tacos with cilantro rice by Wild Salsa, and chopped beef short ribs with horseradish and onion strings courtesy of Chop House Burgers.

during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

Seasonal cocktails were provided by Hendricks Gin and Reyka Vodka, with celebratory sips by Dark Horse Wine and Peroni Beer. Guests danced to popular tunes by the Adrian Garcia Band, then capped the night with innovative coffee creations by Nightowl Coffee Cart, including a delicious Peppermint Latte with a sprig of mint and crumbled mint cookies on top.

Pat and Janet McCoy of Colleyville dance during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)
Alan Tracy and Karen Roberts of Colleyville dance during the GRACE Toy Drive at Park Place Lexus, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth)

The GRACE Christmas Cottage provides new, unwrapped gifts to families facing financial hardship due to limited income or recent emergency.  Each qualified family is given a voucher with a value based on the number of children in the family, allowing the parents to “purchase” donated toys, home goods and appliances in a private, store-like setting. This unique approach allows families to budget their resources and select unique presents while preserving the family’s dignity. More than 2,700 individuals and families are served at Christmas Cottage each holiday season.

Guests also got to see the new 2019 Lexus ES luxury sedan, featuring bold new styling inside and out, astonishing power and state-of-the-art safety and entertainment technology.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,000 people and operates 18 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Lotus, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Bentley and Maserati. For more info, visit parkplace.com