Haute Event: Jay Leno Helps Raise $3 million at Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance

Last weekend marked the fifth annual Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance. The concours showcases some of the most exotic classic automobiles and motorcycles. More than 7,000 guests showed up for the event over the three-day weekend.

The weekend kicked off on Friday, Feb. 25 with the “duPont Registry Live!” hangar party at the Boca Raton airport. The event, which was presented by Ulysse Nardin, brought in more than 1,000 guests who were treated to wine and cuisine from some of the best restaurants in the area while admiring lavish cars, jets, motorcycles, and boats, including the Indy Cars that the Unser Family, A.J. Foyt and the others that have accomplished Indy 500 world records in.

On Saturday, another 1,000 guests headed to the black tie optional gala at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. The event was hosted by Marti and H. Wayne Huizenga, with a special live performance by Jay Leno. Prior to this, Leno also took the stage to auction off the last item of the live auction to auction of 100 special “Jay Leno Experience packages” which included a private tour of Jay’s Big Dog Garage in Southern California and four VIP tickets to attend the filming of the “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” These packages alone raised more than $1 million. Other special guests included Helio Castroneves and singer/songwriter Jon Secada and many others.

The following day, more than 5,000 guests showed up again to the Concours d’ Elegance for the Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition on the golf course of the Boca Raton Resort & Club.

“Every year of the Concours is better and better–attracting more people and proving to be more exciting than the previous,” said the Concours’ Founder and Producer Rick Case. The Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance’s Chairman Jamie McDonnell added, “We are thrilled to say not only is the Boca Raton Concours thriving, but it has become, in a short five years, the fastest growing Concours in the country. This year, the star power and vehicles were better than ever – which goes to show that celebrities, classic and antique car owners, and fans are beginning to see that the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance is one of the best in the country.”

In total, the events raised more than $3 million, which will be donated toward the boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. This is the most money ever made for a charity at a car event in the U.S.

For more information on the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance, visit www.bocaCDE.com.

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