Enchanted Evening Raises more than $700,000 for Texas Rangers Foundation

15^th Annual Park Place Dealerships – Texas Rangers Triple Play Game Show Spectacular benefits area youth with scholarships, playing fields and equipment

Sporting an enchanted garden theme, the real treasure in the 15^th Annual Park Place Dealerships – Texas Rangers Triple Play Game Show Spectacular for fans was the intimate interaction with the fun-loving Rangers players. Though, clearly, the winners were the boys and girls across North Texas who are served by the Texas Rangers Foundation. With 700 fans at the sold-out event, the evening raised more than $700,000 for the non-profit organization.

Each year the Foundation’s executive director, Karin Morris, and her team strive to out-do previous years’ experiences. And they did not disappoint.

“The engagement that the fans have with our players has been so incredible,” said Morris. “And the excitement the players have for the games and the Rookie Songs are always very special. We’ve been so lucky to have such great attendance. Each year, the challenge is topping the previous year’s donations while keeping the event at about 700 so that fans have the ability to see their favorite player and engage with them. Getting any bigger would make it more challenging.”

Entering the Trinity Ballroom at the Hilton Anatole Dallas, guests were offered a chance to bid on a wide range of unique memorabilia from the entertainment and sports worlds. But the real joy for Texas Rangers fans was being able to get up close for personal conversations and autographs with their favorite players, past and present, as well as coaches and front office personnel. In addition to the Rangers full roster, former players such as Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, Pete O’ Brien, Jose Guzman and others were in attendance.

“It’s been 15 years since Park Place Dealerships and the Texas Rangers developed this fun event to connect fans with players and coaches while raising money to share the love of baseball with area kids, ” said Dave Evans, director of marketing for Park Place Dealerships. “Watching the players relax, laugh and enjoy the evening is always entertaining. While the guys are all fierce competitors on and off the field, they play the game shows all in good fun.”

Immediately after dinner, the Game Show Spectacular began. And, as always, it lived up to the hype. Fox Sports Southwest anchor John Rhadigan and sideline reporter Emily Jones acted as emcees and they engaged fans and players alike in a game of “Heads or Tails.” The auctioneer would flip a coin and participants would signal which side they thought the coin would land on by placing their hands on either their head or posterior. After narrowing the field with multiple rounds, Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre won the game. He generously donated the prize back to the auction. The coveted prize included a Big Green Egg and an all-expenses paid trip to Cooperstown to attend former Texas Rangers catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which raised $16,000 for the charity.

Other exclusive auction items such as a trip on the team plane to Chicago, a trip to the Texas Rangers Spring Training and a trip to Napa Valley were so popular they each sold twice, doubling the amount raised for the Foundation.

Continuing the Game Show Spectacular, players once again demonstrated they are just as competitive (and twice as funny) off the field as they are when playing Major League baseball. Jonathan Lucroy faced off against A.J. Griffin in the “Match Game,” with panelists Matt Bush, Andrew Cashner, and Sam Dyson going head-to-head with Tony Barnette, Robinson Chirinos and Nick Martinez. Lucroy won 1-0 after several rounds of hilarious answers.

Next, fans were treated to the annual Rookie Song, which featured Chi Chi Gonzalez, Jose Leclerc, Austin Bibens-Dirkx and Dario Alvarez acting out a skit to the song “Despacito.” The rookies pranced around and posed like rappers to the delight of fans and veteran players alike, finally dropping their microphones at the end. I’m sure the rookies will be reliving this experience throughout the year as Beltre and Odor were seen filming the spectacle while Andrus looked on with an impish smile.

Finally, the evening’s main attraction was the fan favorite “Fielder’s Feud,” pitting outfielders Delino DeShields, Ryan Rua, Nomar Mazara and Pete Kozma against infielders Elvis Andrus, Adrian Beltre, Mike Napoli and Rougned Odor. The players had fun with good-natured ribbing throughout the game. The infielders won and each player received a silver whistle on a lanyard, plus bragging rights for the year. I’d bet it’s not the last tweet we’ll hear from these practical jokers this season.

Match Game — *Rougned Odor, Eric Nadel and Nomar Mazara during the Texas Rangers Triple Play fundraising event at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas, on May 13, 2016. (Michael Ainsworth)*

“Our primary focus this year is on completing the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy in West Dallas,” explained Morris. “The facility will provide a safe place for area children to play baseball and softball. In addition to year-round baseball and softball instruction, the Academy will host tournaments, coaching clinics, and skills camps. It will also give young people access to academic tutoring, college prep classes, college and career fairs, financial literacy and internship programs, and MLB industry alternative career workshops.”

The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children in need within our community, and provides funding for youth in crisis, youth health initiatives, youth baseball programs, and youth education. Celebrating its 26^th year, the Foundation has given back more than $15 million to help children in need.

While the Texas Rangers Foundation can’t set the date for next year’s Triple Play event until after the MLB releases the 2018 baseball schedule, fans might want to reserve the first couple of Sundays in May 2018 for the ultimate Texas Rangers Fan party. Then, watch the Rangers website for the announcement as the event sells out quickly.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships 30 years ago 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, INFINITI, Volvo, smart, Jaguar, Lotus, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. Park Place is currently building a new Land Rover Jaguar dealership in Grapevine, scheduled to open July 2017, and a new Grapevine Porsche dealership opening in 2018. For more info, visit parkplace.com.

May 17, 2017May 23, 2017

Meet the High Performance People of Park Place Dealerships- May 2017

Park Place Dealership’s commitment to provide client service excellence is not just a “catch phrase”…it is a pledge to deliver extraordinary ownership experiences to each and everyone one of our clients. To consistently uphold a standard as high as ours is no easy task- but, Park Place is proud to have a team full of high performance people who go above and beyond to provide our clients with an authentic and unmatched client experience- 100% of the time.

Featured Park Place High Performance People- May 2017:

Mariette Picca. Sales Experience Manager at Park Place Volvo
Ken Erwin, Sales Experience Manager at Park Place Motorcars Arlington
Christopher Fine, Sales Experience Manager at the Park Place Premier Collection

May 15, 2017May 15, 2017

13th Annual III Forks Golf Classic Funds Critical Research for Childhood Cancer

The 13^th Annual III Forks Golf Classic presented by Northwestern Mutual – Dallas was recently held at III Forks Steakhouse and the Gleneagles Country Club.

The two-day event is ranked as one of the top grossing golf tournaments in Dallas-Fort Worth by the Dallas Business Journal.

Fox 4 evening news anchor Steve Eagar, served as Honorary Chair for the event which was supported by Park Place Lexus Plano. Park Place provided a Prime Entertainment Premier Driving Experience that included the weekend use of four luxury vehicles coupled with entertainment outings at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Stephan Pyles’ Flora Street Café, a game with six seats in the Lexus Club, and dinner for two at III Forks Steakhouse.

TeamConnor Childhood Cancer Foundation is committed to funding critical research for many types of childhood cancer and has donated more than $2 million to some of the top research hospitals in the country. Throughout the year, TeamConnor hosts events to raise funds for childhood cancer research, including Splash Out Childhood Cancer on July 10; National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Concert September 16; Color Me Green 5K/10K and Caterpillar Dash October 7; and the Northwestern Mutual Clay Shoot November 2. In addition, TeamConnor’s Coins for Kids with Cancer program raises funds in schools, churches, offices and organizations across the country. For more information about TeamConnor, visit teamconnor.org.

May 15, 2017May 15, 2017

The 2017 BeatLeukemia Ball- A Rockin’ Success

The BEATLEukemia Ball was a huge success at the Omni Hotel Fort Worth earlier this month. Dan Lowrance and Michelle Hancock were recognized as Honorary Chairs at the black-tie event.

More than 600 guests enjoyed dancing and a musical show starring The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute to The Beatles!

Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth was proud to support the event with a special “Baby You Can Drive My Car” package. The winner of the package will drive new Mercedes Benz every quarter for a year.

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Leukemia Texas is a top-rated independent, nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the lives of those with leukemia through the funding of research and patient aid exclusively in Texas.

Through its Research Grant program, Leukemia Texas awards grants for translational research to improve the safety and effectiveness of patient care and which may ultimately lead to a cure for this life-threatening blood cancer. This research has been conducted at Cook Children’s Medical Center, Baylor University Medical Center, UT Southwestern, MD Anderson, UT San Antonio Health Science Center and others. Its results have been recognized with publication in such leading journals as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and the Journal of the American Medical Association.

May 8, 2017May 15, 2017

Hunger Busters Golf Classic Helps Families Battling Hunger in Community

The 15th Annual Hunger Busters Golf Classic teed off on Friday, April 21 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas to fight hunger among local children.

Golfers gathered for a round of golf, lunch and to hear keynote speaker, Colin Allred, a former linebacker for the Tennessee Titans. A tough and intelligent presence on special teams and as a reserve linebacker, Colin Allred spent two full seasons on the 53-man roster (2008-09) after battling his way on to the field in 2007. Upon entering the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Titans in 2006, the former Baylor Bear spent most of the 2007 season on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster for the final three regular season games and postseason.

Allred was raised by a single mom and has a passion to help others in his hometown of Dallas.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas, the automotive partner for the event, has been a partner with Hunger Busters for several years.

“Kids should never be hungry or worry about where their next meal will come from in our community,” said Heath Strayhan, general manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas. “This is such an important issue and Rolls-Royce is proud to support this cause. We can change the future of a child by simply making sure they are well nourished.”

Hunger Busters’ “Feed the Need” after school program delivers thousands of evening meals each week to children attending 11 Dallas ISD schools and six after school programs. More than 137,000 children (87%) of children attending Dallas public schools rely on school-subsidized meals as their only source for food. More than 1.5 million meals have been delivered to date.

Hunger Busters has been selected as a Crystal Charity Ball beneficiary for 2017. The grant will allow the organization to expand feeding children in the community by 150 percent. Phil and Lillie Romano founded Hunger Busters in 2000. More information about the organization can be found at www.hungerbusters.com.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people at 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Infiniti, Volvo, smart, Jaguar, Lotus, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more information about Park Place Dealerships, visit www.parkplace.com.

May 4, 2017May 4, 2017

Park Place Premier Collection Reveals New McLaren 720S

The valet in front of the DEC on Dragon Street in the Design District resembled an exotic car show as a seemingly endless parade of McLaren, Porsche, Bentley and Rolls-Royce supercars arrived with a symphony of snarling and guttural engine notes. Park Place Premier Collection recently unveiled the new McLaren 720S, the second generation model in the Super Series segment, to an invitation-only crowd.

Guests enjoyed the Speedy Kiwi craft cocktail made with Reyka Vodka and modern bites like seared ahi tuna and lobster tacos while awaiting the electrifying reveal, which was orchestrated to a pulsating light show.

Designed with a new, lighter carbon-fiber chassis and powered by an astonishing 710 horsepower twin turbo, 4.0 Liter V8, the beautiful beast can leap from 0-to-60 mph in 2.8 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive, it will rocket from 0-to-124 mph in only 7.8 seconds, and tackles the quarter miles in just over 10 seconds with a top speed of 212 mph. And it does so with unparalleled control due to the innovative Proactive Chassis Control II, developed using advanced algorithms in a Cambridge University doctoral program. But don’t worry; it’s still ultimately driver-focused. Variable Drift Control allows the driver to determine the amount of drift and oversteer the traction control allows before intervening.

Twin-hinged dihedral doors sweep forward and up to an 80-degree angle for easy access to the stylish cockpit. The 720S generates 50-percent more downforce than the 650S, double the overall aerodynamic efficiency and 15-percent more efficient cooling. The integrated rear spoiler automatically adjusts to the optimal aerodynamic needs. It adapts to its most extreme airbrake angle in less than half a second to stop on a dime.

Starting at $289,000, driver engagement was clearly the focus for the design and technology behind the new 720S. But it also offers features to make this supercar supremely comfortable as a daily driver. Because even supercar drivers need storage, the 720S features best-in-class storage; static, adaptive headlights that follow the cars directions even on steep corners; and 360-degree park assist with four cameras, four front parking sensors and four rear sensors.

Mere words and photos are incapable of describing this stunning supercar. Stop by the Park Place Premier Collection, located at 5300 Lemmon Avenue near Love Field, to get up close and personal with this ravishing beauty.

April 18, 2017April 18, 2017

Ladies Lunch Introduces Fashion, Fragrances, and the New Maserati Levante

More than 50 ladies recently slipped into spring during a fun afternoon with fashion, fragrances, and food while savoring the passionate Italian design of the Levante, Maserati’s introduction of its first SUV.

NorthPark Center provided gorgeous fashions from Roberto Cavalli and guests were treated to amazing scents by Parfums Houbigant of Paris. Lilium created beautiful arrangements for the tables where guests dined on lunch served by Lombardi Family Concepts with timeless tempos from DJ Steffi Burns.

Guests attending the lunch included Gina Ginsburg of The Hair Bar, Catherine Lowe from ABC’s The Bachelor, Alexa Conomos and Alanna Sarabia from WFAA-TV, Leah Frazier of Inspire N Style, as well as Meredith Marceau and Rachel Roberts from NorthPark Center.

“It’s always fun to entertain some of the most beautiful women in Dallas,” said Liz Shafton, senior marketing manager for Park Place Dealerships. “Women enjoy their vehicles and although we may discuss what makes a great car a little differently than our male counterparts, we still love to hear the roar of a Maserati engine.”

The Levante starts at $72,000 MSRP with a 3.0 liter, twin-turbo V-6 offering 345 horsepower and an 8-speed gearbox to propel this stylish crossover from 0-to-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. Or step into the S model for about $82,000 with a 424 hp turbocharged V-6 to go from 0-to-60 in about 5 seconds. Built in Italy, the new twin-turbo engines were designed by Maserati and built by Ferrari. Producing the trademark Maserati growl, the beefy note is even more pronounced when you switch to sport mode. It just might be enough to move you to the front of the carpool line. Or, at the very least, this beautiful beast will command respect and turn heads.

“The Levante has been a great addition to the Maserati lineup,” said Heath Strayhan, general manager of Park Place Maserati. “It is a tremendous vehicle that offers so much to the buyer. We enjoyed showing the Levante off to a group of ladies that are stylish and enjoy the finer elements of fashion, including in a luxury vehicle.”

While the luxury SUV may be a beast underneath, the Levante is pure beauty inside with the finest Italian leather and hand-stitching throughout the cabin. An 8.4-inch touchscreen controls all media and audio including a Bowers & Wilkins audio upgrade, which will push 1280 watts of sound through 17 speakers.

Maserati’s first SUV has reportedly been tested more than any previous Maserati, starting with 1.7 million road miles on four continents and New Zealand.

Ken Schnitzer founded Park Place Dealerships in 1987 with a single Mercedes-Benz dealership on Oak Lawn Avenue. Today, Park Place Dealerships employs more than 2,100 people at 17 full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Infiniti, Volvo, smart, Jaguar, Lotus, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren, and Maserati. For more information about Park Place Dealerships, visit parkplace.com.
For event photos click here.

April 18, 2017April 19, 2017

High Performance People at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth- April 2017

Rami Alnajjar, New Car Sales Manager, is our High Performance Member of Month for Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth, because of his commitment to providing every single client experience with their unique “Wow!” factor.

Rami’s journey to Park Place began roughly 7,000 miles away in Amman, Jordan. Rami’s parents brought the family to Texas when he was just 11 years old, for a better education. Rami grew up in Arlington and attended University of Texas-Arlington. Before Park Place, he was a Branch Manager for a financial institution until he was recruited to join the Pre-Owned department under the guidance of Bob Mellencamp.

“I was told he [Bob] will be one of the best managers, and he was right. [Bob] became my mentor and still is to this day.”

In every client interaction, his love for his job is evident. Rami treats every client with respect, all while trying to break the ice and make Park Place feel like their place. The client’s interest is truly Rami’s number one priority; he searches for the unique WOW factor that can take the purchasing experience from merely enjoyable, to positively unforgettable.

“What clients say when they see our new cars and technology, or when clients giggle when they ride our brand and see how wonderful it is. Whether it’s handling, speed, or style, our vehicles are timeless.”

When he’s not creating unforgettable automotive experiences, Rami’s enjoys spending time with his family. According to Rami, “There is nothing better than family,” so each weekend, he hangs out with his brothers, sisters, and of course, his lovely wife and daughter. When asked who his role model is, he did not hesitate to choose his father- who was never to busy, despite being a regional manager at a bank, to offer advice when life got tough.

” I always was able to go up to my Dad and find wisdom and good education on life, God bless his soul he was a mentor a father a friend and a brother. He would have won the father of the year if there is one. I miss him so much and he always had my back no matter what the situation was. I love you, Dad.”

So why is Park Place, Rami’s Place?

“I am empowered with making decisions with the group; I am proud of what I do. Company has lots of respect for their employees. I have a second family here.”

If you want to drive an extraordinary vehicle, be sure to pay Rami Alnajjar a visit at Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth. He is sure make your experience a memorable one.

April 18, 2017April 24, 2017

High Performance People at Park Place Lexus Grapevine- April 2017

Danny Cantu, Internet Sales Experience Manager, is our High Performance Member of Month for Park Place Lexus Grapevine– because of his commitment to an exceptional client experience from the first hello to delivery.

grpvn_lexus_danny_cantu-3_480x720_72_RGB — Danny Cantu, Internet Sales Manager at Park Place Lexus Grapevine

Danny officially joined the team in 2015, but his journey to Park Place began right here in the DFW, where he attended Adams High School until graduating in 1987. He joined the US Navy in 1988 through 1992, and remained in Active Reserve duty from 2001 to 2004.

He’s a family man- spending most of his time outside the dealership with his three children and wife, staying active and always ready for a new adventure. Whether it’s in the form of hiking, biking, or traveling to places like Lake Tahoe, Colorado, New York, or even Vegas, it’s clear that Danny and his family seize each and every occasion. This “grab the bull by the horns” attitude is in tune with Danny’s own personal mantras that “life’s a checklist” and that “you’re not able to move forward if you stay in the past.”

Danny began his career in automotive at Toyota of Plano in 2005 initially as a sales manager. He changed roles for the next seven years, working in finance & insurance (F&I), internet sales, and finishing out his pre- Park Place tenure as a New Car Sales Director.

“I came to Park Place for a change of scenery from the traditional car business, and to improve my quality of life with my family. I joined Park Place 11/2015 – worked the floor then started the internet sales in 9/2016 to present”

Danny is dedicated to delivering an exceptional client experience- which happens to also be his favorite part of the job- literally.

“I love watching a well satisfied client with their new vehicle”

So why did Danny choose to make Park Place, his Place?

“Park Place is a pleasant place to work; everyone is very cordial and considerate to each other. It’s not all about “me” but rather, a ‘ladies and gentleman’ kind of business.”

Park Place culture revolves around the client experience, and it is clear that Danny Cantu of Park Place Lexus Grapevine fits right in- with client satisfaction as his number one priority. If you’re in the market for a new automobile, give Danny a call. He will not only ensure he delivers the exceptional vehicle you want, but also a one of a kind, truly excellent, sales experience you’d never expect.

April 18, 2017April 19, 2017

High Performance People at Park Place Volvo Dallas-April 2017

Germaine Ambres, New Car Sales Director, is our High Performance Member of Month for Park Volvo- because of his commitment to ensuring his team delivers a unique high performance ownership experience to all clients.

Germaine is a native Texan, born in Houston to loving, hard working parents from the rich-in-culture southern Louisiana. Over 10 years ago, he moved to Dallas in search of new opportunity with his wife.

“Typically Houstonians don’t like Dallas, but North Texas felt like home.”

He was highly encouraged by clients and colleagues to join the Park Place team and this month, April 2017, marks his 10 year anniversary at Park Place Dealerships. Initially, Germaine accepted a position as a Sales Consultant but later filled other roles such as Finance Manager, Business Manager, and now currently serves Park Place Volvo as the New Car Sales Director.

He employs the Platinum rule when helping clients through the purchasing process- treating people the way they wish to be treated. An integral part of his approach is to remember his client’s names- it’s not uncommon for Germaine to remember a client’s name from many years later.

“Everyone loves to be remembered. Creating the “Cheers” experience is priceless.”

When Germaine is not at Park Place Volvo, he enjoys landscaping to defend his ‘yard of the month’ status and spending time with his lovely wife. He can also be found serving in various areas of his church, including deacon and his passion, marriage ministry. His deeply rooted values are a result of the “village” of men and women, and his amazing family, who poured into him.

Germaine Ambres of Park Place Volvo lives out the culture of Park Place to the highest degree- providing clients with nothing less than exceptional experiences. He believes that what you give out will come back to you- a belief reinforced by a go-to mantra “Goodness and mercy will follow me all my days.”

So why is Park Place, Germaine’s Place?

“Every time there is an opportunity to serve a client, it is also an opportunity to impact the person in positive way for a lifetime.”

If you’re keen on a new Volvo, be sure to stop by Park Place Volvo and meet with Germaine, and his high performance team, for a memorable ownership experience!