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Park Place Members Volunteered to Lay Wreaths on Veterans’ Graves at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

Army veteran’s daughter participated in wreaths across America 

Jessica Musgrave, Admin Assistant to the GM at Park Place Lexus in Grapevine, had never heard of the Wreaths Across America initiative until Park Place invited their Members to participate in this year’s event. 

“I just thought the cemetery must put out all the wreaths,” said Musgrave. ”My father, US Army Sargeant Arsenio Vega-Rodriguez, is buried at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. I would see the wreaths on his grave when I’d visit at Christmas time. When I heard Park Place was participating, naturally I volunteered this year. I was truly impressed by the level of community support. Hearing the veterans’ stories from others was incredible. By saying their names out loud, we keep their stories alive.” 

“My father served in the 2nd Armored Division, working with the M1A2 Abrams tank, a role he always spoke of with pride,” she recalled. “He remembered his time in the Army as one of the best chapters of his life. I was born at Fort Hood while he was stationed there.” 

After his military service, Jessica’s father returned to Puerto Rico to begin a 30-year career with American Airlines. He received the American Airlines Purple Heart Award for his heroic actions as a first responder, saving a pilot’s life at DFW Airport.  

“When my father passed, I made a promise to him that his legacy would continue through us—his children, his grandchildren and through the communities he touched. In the end, legacies are not just about the recognition we receive but about the actions we take, the way we treat others, and the values we instill in those who follow us. Our stories are woven into the fabric of the world around us, and through our service, love, and dedication, we create legacies that will continue to resonate for years to come.” 

Musgrave said her biggest takeaway was realizing how we are all woven together for a greater purpose – from serving our country to serving each other. 

“For me, the concept of legacy took on new meaning with the passing of my father. While I miss him every day, I no longer dwell in sadness. Instead, I recognize that he passed the baton to me and my siblings, entrusting us with the responsibility to continue his work and uphold his values. Reflecting on my father’s life, I realize how much of him lives on in me. We share the same laugh, the same desire to help others, and a heart full of service.” 

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Park Place Dealerships 4th Annual Season of Giving Recipients Receive a Total of $100,000

North Texas non-profits are kicking off the holiday season with a little more cheer, thanks to $100,000 in Season of Giving grants from Park Place Dealerships. The dealership group selected 21 recipients across the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area that make an impact in the community year-round.

“It’s been truly inspiring to learn about the remarkable work of numerous non-profits making a difference in our communities,” said Tony Carimi, Managing Director of Park Place Dealerships. “In addition to providing year-end grants, Park Place Members will also volunteer with these non-profit partners in the coming year, aiming to drive an even greater impact in the community.”

More than 700 non-profits applied for the 4th Annual Season of Giving grants. Each recipient aligns with one of Park Place’s Four Pillars of Giving: Education; Medical Research; Advocacy; or the Arts.

Under its philanthropic arm, Park Place Cares, the Season of Giving program awards one-time grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Now in its fourth year, the initiative has granted a total of $400,000 to 86 local organizations, supporting the missions of non-profits dedicated to bettering North Texas communities. Over the past 37 years, Park Place Cares has contributed millions of dollars to charities through ongoing outreach and support.

This year’s grant recipients represent a broad range of causes and communities across North Texas, reflecting Park Place Dealerships’ commitment to uplifting diverse missions and making a lasting difference. The charities receiving a grant for the 2024 Season of Giving include:

Education

  • Pasos for Oak Cliff (Dallas)
  • Broken Halos Haven (Lewisville)
  • Claymore Operations (Coppell)
  • Little Hands Book Bank (Plano)
  • Gabby’s Sanctuary Ark, Inc. (Lancaster)
  • Gill Children’s Services (Fort Worth)
  • Rainbow Days (Dallas)
  • Girls on the Run (Dallas)

Medical

  • Enabling Movement Foundation (Flower Mound)
  • David Nicklas Organ Donor Awareness Foundation (Grand Prairie)

Advocacy

  • Bikers Against Child Abuse (Fort Worth)
  • Lambie’s Love (Dallas)
  • DFW Angels (Dallas)
  • Serving Our Seniors (Richland Hills)
  • Metrocrest Services (Carrollton)
  • Patriot PAWS Service Dogs (Rockwall)
  • Streetside Showers (McKinney)
  • Second Chance Dog Rescue (Mansfield)

Arts

  • New Song Community Choir (Dallas)
  • Brown Girls Do Ballet (Fort Worth)
  • Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth (Fort Worth)

“This is truly one of our favorite times of the year as we come together to review the incredible applications from local non-profits,” said Kara Connor, Park Place Dealership’s Experiential Marketing Manager. “Beyond providing financial support, we’re excited to strengthen our connections with these inspiring organizations that make such a meaningful impact across North Texas.”

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All in the Family

Motorcars Dallas Pre-Owned Sales Manager Mike Wasserman is passionate about nurturing and developing the Park Place ‘family’ culture. “I’ve spent more than half of my life here,” he said. “And I don’t see myself stopping anytime in the near future.”

Celebrating 30 years at Park Place, Mike’s story really is a family affair. Mike’s wife Linda spent 17 years in sales at Lexus Plano. And for the past year and a half his daughter Ashley has worked as a Sales Experience Manager at Porsche Dallas.

“I remember from the time I was little visiting Lexus Plano and talking to one of the Members who is still at the dealership,” says Ashley. “She’s like an older sister to me. When I got my first car, Park Place always treated me right as a client. Then, coming to work here, it’s like my life has come full circle.”

After graduating from UNT with a degree in Hospitality Management, Ashley started as a greeter but quickly moved into sales. “Personalization is important,” she says. “People don’t want to be treated as a number. That’s true of how we treat our clients, and also how we treat each other. Other Members don’t treat me as Mike’s daughter. They treat me as an individual. In my experience, Park Place is different than other dealerships.”

Mike has seen a lot of change over the years in the automotive industry, but what hasn’t changed is Park Place’s dedication to culture. “You have to experience change in order to grow,” he says. “But you can still build on the legacy of those who came before you. We’re not in the car business. We’re in the people business. Take care of the people – both our clients and fellow Members – and success will follow.”

“After 30 years at Park Place, I feel a certain obligation to protect our culture and nurture new Members for the benefit of our clients. We have so many Members who are tenured here. It’s our responsibility to adopt the new Members and lead by example. It’s important we walk the walk and not just talk the talk.”

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Tony Carimi Named to the Dallas 500 by D CEO Magazine

D CEO’s signature publication, the Dallas 500, spotlights the most influential North Texas executives across more than 50 industries. Tony Carimi, Area Vice President and Managing Director for Park Place Dealerships, has earned a place on this prestigious list, highlighting his role as a key driver of the regional economy.

A proud Texas A&M graduate, Carimi launched his career in the automotive industry with experience in both sales and service.

When asked what he would enhance about the automotive industry, Carimi emphasized the need to prioritize the consumer’s time. “If we can provide transparency and convenience, we eliminate the top frustrations. This applies to both the sales and service process. Park Place was a pioneer in the One Touch single point of contact approach and the introduction of a complete online car-buying process that can be completed in approximately 15 minutes.”

Looking ahead, Carimi is most inspired by the growth and accomplishments of Park Place’s Members.


“Watching the growth of our teams and the individual accomplishments, both personal and professional, that our Members achieve is incredibly rewarding. The legacy and Park Place brand are in strong hands. We will continue to focus our resources on training and development to reinforce our ability to deliver extraordinary experiences, both internally and externally. Though trends, products, and technology will evolve, staying people-focused will always be our priority.”

Carimi’s journey with Park Place began in 2002 as Service Director at the company’s original dealership on Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas. He advanced to Director of Fixed Operations in 2010, then Vice President of Operations, overseeing service, parts, and collision operations across the group. In 2018, he assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer, driving process consistency and enhancing the client experience.

Today, Carimi oversees Park Place’s nine dealerships, three collision centers, auction operations, and corporate headquarters, along with six Plaza Motors dealerships in St. Louis.

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Porsche Macan EV Unveiled at Neiman Marcus Garden

The highly anticipated Porsche Macan Electric mid-sized SUV made its dazzling debut at an exclusive Electric Garden Soirée in the Neiman Marcus garden at NorthPark Center in Dallas. Inspired by Porsche’s national activation at the 2024 Met Gala, the event drew several hundred guests to experience a stunning fusion of automotive innovation and high fashion.

Drawing on the theme of the “Garden of Time,” the soirée transformed the venue into an electrified garden, positioning the Macan Electric as the muse. Guests donned elegant cocktail attire, immersing themselves in an atmosphere buzzing with excitement, while the sleek lines and cutting-edge design of the Macan Electric captivated all in attendance.

“The event beautifully blended luxury, style and innovation, celebrating the future of electric driving with the Porsche Macan Electric in a creative and vibrant setting,” said Patrick Huston, Park Place Porsche Dallas General Manager. “The Electric Garden Soirée allowed us to showcase the innovative technology behind the Macan Electric while creating an energetic experience that truly embodies the spirit of Porsche.”

As part of Park Place Porsche’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the community, the event also included the announcement of a partnership with the Children’s Medical Center BOO Yard Sign Challenge, a fun initiative aimed at supporting pediatric care in North Texas. Participants are encouraged to “BOO” their friends and neighbors by secretly leaving BOO yard signs in their friends’ yards and Halloween treats on their doorsteps. The challenge runs through October 31. Participants can purchase a BOO yard sign for $25 at childrens.com/boo. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Children’s Health to support their mission to make life better for children.

The evening featured a luxurious array of food and beverages to complement the night’s festivities. Neiman Marcus served their famous chocolate chip cookies and chicken salad on popovers. Guests sipped On the Rocks Cocktails and Haku Vodka Espresso Martinis, while enjoying fresh sushi from Joey Dallas and a decadent dessert selection of pasticcini from Eataly. Proper Catering served an impressive array of passed hors d’oeuvres, including:

  • Fresh Fig Tartlet with smoked goat cheese mousse
  • Charcuterie Cups featuring cheese, cured meats, and Parmesan cheese straws in mini flowerpots
  • Mini Tuna Poke Tacos with avocado mousse, mango salsa, and cilantro crema
  • Braised Beef Short rib Sliders on poppyseed buns with pickled red onions and Gruyere.

Porsche completely re-designed its popular performance SUV with an electric powertrain. The new 2025 Macan EV features the brand’s iconic handling with the immediate thrust of electric motors. The roomy SUV offers a rear-seat that will accommodate full-sized adults and a cargo area that’s designed to handle reasonable cargo. It’s a sporty SUV that looks and drives like a Porsche.

Starting at an MSRP of $77,295 for the rear-wheel drive base model with a single 355 horsepower electric motor that can reach 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Macan EV comes in a range of options. The 4S trim is a dual-motor model that drives 442 horsepower that can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. All models come with an air suspension and adaptive dampers.

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Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a Pumpkin-Filled Wonderland Through November 3rd 2024

Park Place Dealerships Official Automotive Sponsor of 19th Annual Autumn at the Arboretum

The 19th annual Autumn at the Arboretum, a beloved fall tradition that transforms the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden into a pumpkin-filled wonderland, is in full swing. Park Place Dealerships is the official automotive sponsor helping bring this seasonal event to the community.

Running through November 3, guests will see more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash from Floydada, Texas—known as the pumpkin capital of Texas—and features 150,000 vibrant fall-blooming plants, creating a breathtaking seasonal display.

This year’s Autumn at the Arboretum highlights a special exhibit, “Texas Town,” which takes visitors on an immersive journey through the lives of Texas pioneers. Guests can explore six distinct pumpkin houses, each representing a unique aspect of pioneer life.

From the cozy atmosphere of a log cabin to the lively spirit of a local saloon, Texas Town offers a captivating glimpse into the history and resilience of early Texans. The exhibit also includes a pioneer farmstead, a general store, a humble sod house, and a one-room schoolhouse, each adorned with detailed historical markers to provide insights into the era’s daily life and architecture.

“Autumn at the Arboretum is one of our favorite events of the season in North Texas,” said Kara Connor, Experiential Marketing Manager at Park Place Dealerships. “This year’s ‘Texas Town’ theme adds such a rich historical dimension, allowing families to not only enjoy the beauty of the fall season but also to step back in time and experience the pioneering spirit of Texas. We’re honored to be part of this incredible celebration.”

In addition to Texas Town, visitors can admire the striking colors of autumnal flowers, including marigolds, chrysanthemums, pentas, and other seasonal blooms, which complement the warm tones of the pumpkins, creating a truly magical experience for guests of all ages.

For more information on Autumn at the Arboretum and to plan your visit, please go to www.dallasarboretum.org.

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4th Annual Season Of Giving Kicks Off Today Offering Up To A Total Of $100,000 In Grants To Nonprofits

Park Place Dealerships Opens Applications through October 25 and Invites Greater Dallas-Fort Worth Charities to Apply

For the fourth consecutive year, Park Place Dealerships is giving away a total of $100,000 in grants through its SEASON OF GIVING campaign to non-profits making a positive impact in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth community. Beginning today through October 25, eligible organizations are invited to apply at ParkPlaceCares.com. Recipients will be announced the week of November 18, 2024.

“Through the SEASON OF GIVING, we provide grants to local organizations that align with our four pillars of giving,” said Tony Carimi, Managing Director of Park Place Dealerships. “SEASON OF GIVING goes beyond providing critical funds. Our Members at Park Place are deeply involved, volunteering their time and talents year-round. It’s incredible to witness the ripple effect of their dedication, as our team’s creativity and passion help make an even larger impact across our community.”  

Non-profit organizations applying must fit the following criteria:

  • Organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
  • The charity must support one of Park Place Cares’ Pillars of Giving, which include: Education; Medical Research; Children’s Advocacy; or the Arts.
  • The charity must serve in at least one of the following counties: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, Kaufman, Hunt, Wise or Johnson.
  • The charity cannot already have received donations or in-kind support from Park Place in 2024.
  • Charities must apply by October 25, 2024.

Under Park Place Dealerships’ philanthropic arm of Park Place Cares, SEASON OF GIVING offers local non-profits the opportunity to apply for a one-time, end of year grant. Since 2021, Park Place Dealerships has awarded a total of $300,000 to 65 charities across North Texas that are making a real difference in our communities.

“There are countless charities in our community who are doing incredible work, yet lack the necessary resources to make a bigger impact,” said Kara Connor, Park Place Dealership’s Experiential Marketing Manager. “Through SEASON OF GIVING, we have discovered nonprofits of all sizes making a meaningful difference in North Texas. We want non-profits to know we see you and will continue to do what we can to amplify your incredible work.”

Eighteen North Texas non-profits received a 2023 Season of Giving grant from Park Place Dealerships out of more than 400 applications. One of the non-profits included the Apollo Support & Rescue in Justin, Texas. When the Park Place Lexus Grapevine general manager Charles Owen and Members of his team arrived at the no-kill animal shelter last year to present a grant, they encountered Zeke, a five-year old Bernese Mountain dog. The owner had just arrived to surrender the sweet dog. Charles ended up adopting Zeke, and Apollo received their grant!

Park Place goes above and beyond with the Season of Giving grant recipients by looking for additional opportunities to support the non-profits with Members volunteering throughout the year. The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas sends care packages to U.S. military troops serving abroad. Park Place provided a 2023 grant to support their mission and in early 2024 Park Place Members spent the day packing basic toiletries, socks, snacks, candy, and letters for American soldiers.

“We have built strong relationships with many incredible non-profits that continue to make an impact on the world,” said Connor. “We are really excited to meet this year’s SEASON OF GIVING recipients and explore how we can collaborate to help them achieve their goals moving forward.”

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Park Place Dealerships Presents the BOO Yard Sign Challenge to Benefit Children’s Health

Make this Halloween Spook-tacular While Supporting a Great Cause!

Park Place Dealerships is thrilled to announce the BOO Yard Sign Challenge, a fun and festive way for North Texas families to celebrate Halloween while supporting pediatric patients at Children’s Health. This community-driven initiative, hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center, encourages the community to “BOO” their friends and neighbors by secretly leaving BOO signs in their yards and Halloween treats at their doorsteps while raising funds for Children’s Health patients.

The challenge runs through Oct. 31, 2024. Participants can purchase a BOO yard sign for $25 at childrens.com/boo, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Children’s Health to support their mission to make life better for children. Participation is easy and fun, and includes the following activities:

  • Purchasing a BOO Yard Sign – Signs are available for purchase online at childrens.com/boo for $25 each.
  • Pick Up Your Sign – Choose your closest neighborhood pickup location in Dallas or Plano at Park Place Porsche, Park Place Motorcars Dallas or Park Place Lexus Plano, during checkout by searching your home, work, or school zip code. Signs are available now for pickup.
  • BOO Your Neighbors – Place the BOO yard sign in your neighbor’s yard and leave Halloween goodies at their doorsteps without them seeing you! Each sign comes with instructions on how recipients can join the challenge and keep the spooky spirit alive throughout the neighborhood.

“Our goal is to spread joy throughout the community by placing a BOO sign on every lawn in North Texas while supporting patients at Children’s Health this Halloween,” said Kara Connor, Experiential Marketing Manager of Park Place Dealerships. “This initiative is an exciting way to engage with neighbors and rally around Children’s Health in their mission to provide quality medical care to children in our community who need it most.”

Make this Halloween a memorable one for your community and help bring smiles to the faces of young patients at Children’s Health. For more information or to purchase your BOO yard sign, visit childrens.com/boo.

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Park Place Dealerships Lends a Helping Hand for Back-to-School Efforts Across North Texas

Park Place Dealerships continues its long-standing commitment to community support by partnering with several local organizations for a series of back-to-school initiatives. These efforts include volunteering at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County’s Back to School Fair, along with school supply drives benefitting students in Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth.

Park Place team members volunteered at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County’s Back to School Fair. The event provided backpacks and essential school supplies to children in need, ensuring they are prepared for the upcoming school year. Park Place members worked directly with families, distributing supplies and sharing in the excitement of helping children start their school year with confidence.

In addition to volunteering, Park Place Dealerships has organized multiple school supply drives across its North Texas locations:

  • Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Porsche Dallas partnered with For Oak Cliff, an organization focused on enhancing opportunities in South Dallas, to collect school supplies for students in the community.
  • Park Place Motorcars Arlington supported Pearcy STEM Academy and the Boys & Girls Club of Arlington through a school supply drive, aiming to provide these young scholars with the tools they need to thrive.
  • Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth collected supplies for The Welman Project, which helps redirect surplus materials from businesses to schools and nonprofits, ensuring under-resourced classrooms are well-equipped.

“Our commitment to education and the next generation is at the core of our community engagement,” said Kara Connor, Experiential Marketing Manager of Park Place Dealerships. “By supporting local schools and organizations through these supply drives, we aim to ensure that every child starts the school year with the resources they need to succeed.”

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. 

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Local Resident Places First In Statewide Auto Body Association Competition

Dallas technician Adrian Ortiz recently won first place in the Paint Competition at the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) BIG SHOTS Competition at the Irving Convention Center.

“The best part was I got to try new products and learn new things,” said Ortiz. “These are things I can apply daily in my job. The biggest opportunity was being trusted to step into the booth to show what I had learned over the course of my career thus far.”

Ortiz has worked for Park Place Bodywerks for 18 years. He is a certified painter for Bentley, McLaren, and Mercedes-Benz automobiles.

“It is a great honor that our Members can publicly show their strengths and represent Park Place in such a good light,” said Brandon Gillespy, Bodywerks Dallas Shop Manager. “We celebrate their accomplishments and value their commitment to excellence.”

Born and raised in East Dallas, Ortiz graduated from Woodrow Wilson High and the Autobody Tech program at Eastfield Community College. He married his high school sweetheart, Johanna, and they live on the east side of White Rock Lake with their two children. In his free time, Ortiz is restoring his high school car: a 1962 Chevy Nova.


When asked what advice he’d give someone just starting out in the business, Ortiz answered, “Be a sponge and ask questions…learn as much as possible. We have some of the best technicians in the country that reside within the walls at Park Place.”

Other Bodywerks Dallas members representing Park Place in the annual statewide competition included Philip Glass, who placed third in the Estimating Competition out of 25 participants, and Bodywerks Estimator Davis Richards, a two-time winner in the competition. After his first place win last year, Richards volunteered to judge the 2024 estimating competition.