Polaris donates custom Slingshot for charity auction
Slingshot recently joined the NBA’s all-time leader in three-point scoring Ray Allen at the annual Ray Allen Loews Miami Beach Hotel Celebrity Golf Tournament by donating a one-of-a-kind custom Slingshot SL valued at more than $30,000. In addition, Slingshot made a cash donation on behalf of each participating golfer totaling $7,000. The Slingshot SL was customized by world-renowned and Miami-based designer Alex Vega of The Auto Firm. The tournament benefits Allen’s “Ray of Hope Foundation” as well as additional local charities.
“Ray was an incredible and gracious ambassador earlier this year when we worked with him on a promotion around college basketball’s March tournament,” said Rachel Elia, Slingshot’s marketing manager. “At that time, he shared his passion for education and the Ray of Hope Foundation, and we immediately inquired on how we could get involved. We are confident the funds raised through the tournament and our contribution will make a positive impact on the communities and initiatives Ray’s foundation serves.”
The Ray of Hope Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting with sports-related, community-based programs and providing avenues of opportunity for youth to “hope” to realize their full potential. Additionally, a portion of the funds will benefit DonorsChoose.org, an online charity connecting donors to Miami-Dade County classrooms in need, as well as The Foundation for New Education Initiatives, a Miami-Dade County School Board program created to enhance student achievement and community engagement.
“What initially started as a promotion earlier this year has grown to an incredible relationship between my foundation and Slingshot,” said Ray Allen. “I’m grateful for the way the entire Slingshot organization has stepped up to not only raise funds for the cause, but fully embrace my personal desire to help youth throughout South Florida.”
The tournament, which included participation by celebrities including Alonzo Mourning, Eddie Jones, Luis Fonsi, Shane Battier, Jim Jackson and Placido Planco, is unique in its format and true to South Florida’s affinity for fun and entertainment. Feeding off the tournament’s “have fun” approach, Slingshot set up a closest to the pin competition and a $50 cash donation for every participant. In addition, Slingshot offered tournament participants the opportunity to win a Slingshot for a month by taking a “selfie with a Slingshot” and posting on social media.
In total, 140 participants took to the course to golf “#ForeTheKids” with the intent to surpass the $75,000 dollars raised in 2016. This year marks the seventh year of the tournament. Loews Miami Beach Hotel executive chef Frederic Delaire prepared the day’s cuisine, featuring selections from the hotel’s award-winning Lure Fishbar. A pop-up of Ray and Shannon Allen’s restaurant “Grown” offered healthy bites of organic cuisine. A silent auction, raffle and online auction featured luxe goods and experiences also took place, with proceeds benefiting the three non-profit organizations.
